Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate Deputy Harty's question and his medical knowledge in this regard. However, there is no blanket ban in regard to Versatis being provided off-licence. In fact, as the Taoiseach already outlined to the House, over 850 patients have been approved for off-licence use during the clinical process where a GP has lodged an appeal with the medicines management programme. Approximately one third of those approved for Versatis have received it to treat off-licence conditions. The Government and I have asked that the HSE applies maximum compassion and common sense in this appeals process and I believe it will do so.

See this speech in context