Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

That is quite a long and detailed statement. It is informative for the people who are listening. I am somewhat concerned about some of what the Minister of State said, especially at the end, that this is not expected to be available in Ireland for a further period. How long is that further period? That is slightly worrying. People have been waiting for three years for these products to be approved. It is important that people get access to these products. People are being forced abroad and to the black market. They are also self-medicating, which is not appropriate or suitable, but when one is desperate, that has to be done. Regulation is very important. Is the Minister of State saying that most of the 31 licence holders will be reimbursed? People were previously getting the licence but were not being reimbursed, which caused serious hardship for the families. I welcome that, if people are getting the licences, they will automatically be reimbursed. What people have to do is somewhat bizarre. They have to go to a different jurisdiction with a licence and bring the product back four times a year. There is no other drug in the world for which this has to be done because of the stigma and rubbish relating to cannabis. Will the Minister of State clarify when this programme will be up and running and how patients can access it? Will she address the education of consultants who prescribe these substances? How do they educate themselves and interact not only with the Department of Health but patients themselves?

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