Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the options available to chemotherapy patients who request THC cannabis oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47486/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under existing legislation it is open to the Minister for Health to consider granting a licence to an Irish registered medical practitioner, under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, for access to medical cannabis for named patients. In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.

The main elements of an application submitted under the Misuse of Drugs legislation for a licence for cannabis for medicinal use must include:

- An outline of the treatment the patient has received to date and justification from the doctor as to why it is appropriate in their patient’s specific circumstances to prescribe a Schedule 1 drug.

- Details of the cannabis-based product which it is proposed to prescribe and administer to the patient.

- The source of the cannabis-based product.

- The arrangements for the ongoing monitoring and care of the patient once the cannabis-based treatment has commenced.

Valid applications received by the Department are assessed and responded to without delay.

Any consultant requiring further information or clarification in relation to the licence application process should contact the Department of Health directly.