Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State knows, there are approximately 8,000 multiple sclerosis sufferers in Ireland. Two of them are very dear to me, as members of my family. Sativex is already in use in a number of EU countries for the relief of spasm symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. The availability of this and other cannabis-based treatments has long been sought by MS Ireland, which is the representative NGO for people with multiple sclerosis.

Ongoing research into the benefits of medicinal cannabis, and cannabis-based medication extract for the symptoms of MS, has shown the efficacy of such treatments to alleviate spasticity, sleep disorders, pain and other symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. As the Minister of State has acknowledged, in July 2014, her predecessor, Deputy Alex White, signed regulations that would allow for approved medicines containing the active ingredients of cannabis to be prescribed in Ireland. It is extremely frustrating for that cohort.

It may not make the difference to all those challenged by MS but there is unquestionably a significant cohort to whom this would bring great relief. The Minister of State concluded by saying that she could make no further comment. Even in these closing days, I ask her to reflect with the HSE on the importance of continuing engagement. I take the view that there is no substantive reason for not proceeding. We are talking about treatment of the order of €500 per month per patient over whatever number might be involved. We have approved far more expensive treatments across many other conditions through the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.

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