Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

Section 4 amends section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to allow for the activities of the Irish Medicines Board to include the granting of licences, permits or authorisations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. To date, this activity was carried out by the Department of Health and Children and is now being transferred to the IMB, which will be responsible for the management and supervision of the various licensing schemes.

To answer the Senator's question about allowing cannabis or heroin to be prescribed, under controlled conditions, by medical practitioners to terminally-ill patients, the Minister would have the authority to do so.