Written answers

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 288: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the developments in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to his request to return here and receive medical treatment involving a substance which is illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984; if she is satisfied that Ireland is not in breach of UN conventions and EU directives in the operation of its current practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3246/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position in Ireland is that cannabis, and substances and products containing cannabis, are considered as having no medicinal use and are classified as controlled drugs under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended. The importation, exportation, manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis, and products and substances containing cannabis, is unlawful except for the purposes of research. The Misuse of Drugs legislation applies more stringent controls than the UN or EU legislation regarding the use of medicinal cannabis.

The importation of cannabis and substances and products containing cannabis to Ireland, even if legally obtained in another EU Member State, is prohibited. It is not possible for cannabis, products containing cannabis or derivatives thereof to be authorised for medicinal use or for prescription by a medical practitioner. The Misuse of Drugs legislation makes no provision for derogations in respect of the importation or possession of cannabis-containing substances or products.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.