Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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500. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the progress made to provide for the reimbursement of the cannabis-based medical product Sativex for the treatment of symptoms of sufferers of multiple sclerosis, thus making the drug accessible to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8735/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 11th July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State.

The HSE had received an application for the inclusion of Sativex on the High Tech Scheme. However, an NCPE health technology assessment report on Sativex did not recommend reimbursement at the submitted price. The HSE issued the manufacturers with notice of its intention not to reimburse. There are no negotiations currently taking place between the HSE and manufacturers of Sativex.