Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

398. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons who have availed of the licence to use medicinal cannabis since the scheme was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4152/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, under existing legislation, medical practitioners who wish to prescribe cannabis for medical use may apply for a licence to do so. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the granting of such a licence 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.

To date four licences in respect of four individual patients have been granted.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

399. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the compassionate access programme for access to medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4153/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In March, following the publication of the Health Products Regulatory Authority’s report ‘Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review’, I established an Expert Reference Group to advise on the development of a Cannabis for Medical Use Access Programme, for patients with certain medical conditions which have failed to respond to all standard treatments.

The Expert Group has drawn up clinical guidance for healthcare professionals treating patients through the Access Programme. Officials in the Department of Health are working on legislation to underpin the Access Programme.

The work is well advanced but will take some further time to complete.

In the meantime, and for medical conditions not included in the Access Programme, medical practitioners who wish to prescribe cannabis-based products containing THC may apply under the Misuse of Drugs Act for a licence to do so. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the granting of such a licence 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.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

400. To ask the Minister for Health if there are means by which a person undergoing chemotherapy can access medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4154/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware it is the decision of a clinician, in consultation with their patient, to prescribe or not prescribe a particular treatment, including cannabis for medical use, for a patient under their care. As Minister for Health I have no role in this clinical decision-making process.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act an Irish registered doctor, wishing to prescribe cannabis treatment for an individual patient under their care, may apply for a Ministerial licence to do so. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the granting of such a licence 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 Act for a licence for THC-based cannabis for medical purposes must include:

An outline of the treatment the patient has received to date and justification from the prescriber as to why it is appropriate in their patient’s specific circumstances to prescribe cannabis products;Details of the cannabis product which it is proposed to prescribe and administer to the patient;

The source of the cannabis product; and

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

If the patient’s consultant requires further information or clarification in relation to the licence application process, he or she should contact the Department of Health directly.