Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1040. To ask the Minister for Health if he will allow hemp oil to be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41746/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

As the Deputy is aware, I am urgently reviewing policy on medicinal cannabis. On the 3 November 2016, I requested the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to provide expert advice on this matter. The HPRA’s statutory role is to protect and enhance human health by regulating medicines and other health products. I have asked the HPRA to advise on recent developments in the use of medicinal cannabis in other countries including an overview of emerging scientific research. I expect to receive the report from the HPRA by the end of January. I will then be in a position to consider future policy in this area.