Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on work by his Department to examine the way cannabis based medicinal products such as Sativex may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners for use by patients for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47811/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 EU 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. Clinical trials in Ireland relating to this product will not be required.

Department officials are currently examining how best to legally describe authorised cannabis-based medicinal products so that they may be prescribed to patients in Ireland while maintaining existing controls on cannabis and cannabis substances similar to those that apply to other controlled drugs that can be misused. It is hoped to bring forward legislative proposals in early 2013.