The Programme for Government Commitment is to “Examine the regulations and legislation that apply to cannabis use for medical conditions and palliative care having regard to the experience in Northern Ireland and Great Britain”
Having set out the current frameworks in relation to access medicinal cannabis products in Ireland, in order to progress this commitment it will be necessary to liaise with colleagues in Northern Ireland and Great Britain to examine the legislation and regulations in place, how their legislation has been implemented, what they have learned from both and where that can be applied in the Irish context.
Officials in my Department are have already met with their counterparts in the UK Department of Health and Social Care in order to commence the examination of the regulations and legislation. It is planned that officials from both Departments will meet on a regular basis to exchange information.