Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018
154. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) to the HSE for the approval and reimbursement of a drug to treat a medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40500/18]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that reimbursement is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and not for the Department of Health.
A patient who is eligible under the Long Term Illness Scheme has automatic access to all of the products on the core list of products for that condition. This list is published on the HSE website. Medical Cannabis is not listed as one of the approved products currently. Where a patient seeks reimbursement of a product outside the core list, there is an individual reimbursement application process.
The patient's treating clinician should complete the individual reimbursement request application form and return it to the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). Where such an application is approved, the HSE will then determine how the patient may be assisted, where they hold a Ministerial Licence.
Irish-based medical practitioners who wish to prescribe cannabis products containing THC may apply to the Minister for Health for a licence under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016 and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder. There is no provision under this legislation for patients to apply for a Ministerial licence for cannabis. Applications must be submitted by the medical practitioner to the Minister for Health.
Where applications are submitted without the necessary supporting information required to assess the application the applicant is immediately informed as to what information needs to be submitted and the licence application is on hold pending receipt of this information.
Details of who may apply for a Ministerial licence and how to apply can be found on the Department's website at the following website address:
health.gov.ie/blog/publications/cannabis-for-medical-use.
Having consulted the website, patients or medical practitioners who require further details or clarification are invited to contact my Department directly.
