Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Questions (1644)

Bríd Smith

Question:

1644. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify following the roll-out of the pilot medical cannabis access programme the number of patients who have gained access to medical cannabis through the programme; the number who have been reimbursed; the number who have been prescribed Epidyolex; the number who have gained access to medical cannabis during the same period via the ministerial licence route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37885/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There are a total of 49 patients on the MCAP register who have been issued with a Cannabis for Medical Use Registration (CMUR) number. To date, 37 patients have accessed product under this programme based on community pharmacy reported claims data to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS).

Separately, Epidyolex® (cannabidiol) which is a licensed product in Ireland was added to the Reimbursement List on 1st January 2022 following formal pricing and reimbursement assessment under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Epidyolex® is restricted to approved prescribers under the High Tech Arrangements through the online Hub infrastructure.  Since 1st January 2022, there have been 256 patients prescribed Epidyolex under the High Tech Arrangements. 

Since the commencement of the MCAP in November 2021, under the Ministerial Licence programme licences have issued to clinicians for the treatment of 43 separate patients.