Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1785. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health whether the process of being approved for the MCAP differs depending on the type of eligible condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/24]
View answerThe legislative basis for the MCAP is Statutory Instrument 262/2019, Misuse Of Drugs (Prescription And Control Of Supply Of Cannabis For Medical Use) Regulations 2019.
Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out the three specified therapeutic indications that may be treated under the programme, namely,
1. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions.
2. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes.
3. Severe, refractory epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications.
Schedule 1 of the Regulations sets out the cannabis-based products that may be prescribed in the programme.
The application must be for one of the stated conditions within the legislation and for the prescribing of one of the approved products. Conditions outside of those in legislation are not approved.
