Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I think the question he is posing is whether we can extend the programme to different conditions. As we were discussing, the original report recommended its use for three conditions once other treatments were no longer deemed viable. The question is whether we can broaden that. The Department of Health has now commissioned an evidence review. This is examining the efficacy and the safety of the cannabis-based treatments for a wider range of conditions. When that is completed a clinical group is going to be convened to assess the evidence and provide guidance to the Government on any potential amendments to that list. That is something that would potentially widen access. As I was saying to the Deputy, two products are currently available and there is a third product, Tilray, that will be available shortly. I am aware there are some clinicians who have been waiting for that specific product for their patients.

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