Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Deputy that these issues need to be resolved in a way that prioritises the healthcare of the children. By and large, it is children we are talking about. Only 12 applications for import licences have been made and they have all been granted. The Minister has shown a willingness to try to ensure that when a doctor seeks an importation licence for a patient in his or her care, that licence is given quickly. We are also trying to ensure neurologists understand that these products are available, although they are somewhat limited in terms of where we can source them from. My understanding is that only Netherlands and Canada are licensed to export these products.

Department of Health officials are working intensively to try to ensure that we can streamline the process for appropriate drugs or cannabis products to come into Ireland so that children can get the treatment they need when then need it. That is perhaps a different thing from what Deputy Barry is asking for. The only focus of the Government and the Minister is to ensure that appropriate products of the right standard are being used by patients in Ireland under the supervision of doctors. We are working with the families concerned to ensure the process operates in a timely and streamlined manner.

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