Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if Sativex, available under special licence in the UK and elsewhere, for pain relief for those suffering from multiple sclerosis will be made available on prescription here; and if not, the reason for same. [14754/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Sativex is a derivative of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of derivatives of cannabis is unlawful except for the purposes of research. I am aware that claims have been made in respect of possible benefits of cannabis and products containing cannabis for patients suffering from certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. However, it is not lawful for cannabis, products containing cannabis or derivatives thereof to be authorised for medicinal use in Ireland, even if legally prescribed in another EU State. I have no plans to change the law in this regard.