Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health when he will introduce legislation for the provision of cannabis derived products for the relief of pain, spasticity and other effects of ailments such as Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma and so on will be coming before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57362/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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My Department has been informed by the Irish Medicines Board, IMB, that it is in receipt of a market authorisation request from a manufacturer under the European Union's mutual recognition procedure for a medicinal product containing cannabis extract. This product is indicated for the relief of symptoms of spasticity for people with multiple sclerosis. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research.

My Department is examining how authorised cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of MS in Ireland. In that respect, departmental officials have been engaging with experts to identify how best to legally describe authorised cannabis-based medicinal products while maintaining existing controls on cannabis and cannabis substances. While the legislative amendments required can be made by means of statutory instrument, the legal issues are complex. The matter is being progressed as quickly as possible in my Department and it is hoped to bring forward legislative proposals in early 2013.

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I welcome the undertaking that legislative proposals in this area will be brought forward early in the new year. We now have a situation where 22 separate national authorities in Europe and around the world have granted approval for the cannabis-derived product, Sativex, having recognised the important benefits it provides to multiple sclerosis patients with spasticity. Mr. Ed Holloway, head of care and services research with the MS Society in Britain, indicated recently that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has examined the evidence surrounding Sativex and deemed it a safe and effective treatment for spasticity, paving the way for its licensing in that jurisdiction. This product is not the cure all some claim it to be, but it is helping people in countries throughout Europe and the world.

I hope the Minister of State will fulfil his undertaking that legislation will be introduced early next year. Increasing numbers of people are approaching me to discuss this issue. One man in particular told me a very sad story of how, in order to alleviate his pain and discomfort, he was forced to purchase cannabis from the types of people who shot Veronica Guerin. None of us likes to see money going in that direction. According to this man, he no longer has to wear a nappy when he uses these substances. He has latterly discovered a person in the North who can provide him with Sativex - this transaction is, of course, illegal - which he uses until it runs out, at which point he is forced to use nappies once again. I fully accept that science is not based on anecdote, and I am loath to take that approach myself. However, this person sees clear benefits from using the product in question. It is unfair to people in his circumstances if the current legislative deficit continues for much longer.

I am well known as a campaigner for the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use. This issue, however, is entirely separate. I would hate anybody to think I am seeking to piggyback on the medical need issue, which would be a disgusting strategy. The two issues are unrelated.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Deputy raises a very fair point. There is no undue delay in regard to this issue, on which I was briefed when I assumed office. I assure the Deputy that the matter is progressing. We have our own processes in this jurisdiction and cannot rely on licensing systems that are in place in other jurisdictions, although we can certainly have regard to them. The Minister and I are absolutely concerned to expedite the availability of any product that would give relief to persons suffering pain or discomfort such as the Deputy has described. We must proceed in the proper manner, however, and we will do so in as expeditious a fashion as possible.

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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The people contacting me will be waiting with bated breath for progress on the matter. It is an issue that should have been dealt with a long time ago.

Unlike the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, I am not a medical expert. Perhaps he will undertake to look into the claims by certain individuals that tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the principal component in cannabis, can have positive impacts in the treatment of cancer. I have read a great deal about the matter but am slow to shout about it. My mother died of cancer and the last thing I want is for anybody to be given false hope. However, if there is anything in these claims, I am anxious that they be examined in due course.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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We have the very best technical advice available to us both inside and outside the Department. Matters such as the Deputy raised are reviewed as they arise.