Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
666. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress made of introducing the medical product, Sativex, which is used to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and which has passed through all stages of the European mutual recognition procedures; and if he will outline when this product may be available to citizens here with MS [54448/12]
View answerMy 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. Department officials have been engaging with experts on 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.
