Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Ceisteanna (2265, 2266)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

2265. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if, in view of Brexit, any products currently listed as to be available via the medical cannabis access programme will be available in June 2021; if he will bring forward amendments to the legislation which underpins the programme or has consulted the Minister for Justice to permit the addition of products which have not been produced and prescribed in another EU state to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20342/21]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

2266. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he is considering amendments to legislation relating to the medical cannabis access programme or has consulted the Minister for Justice on such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20343/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2265 and 2266 together.

Products are submitted to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) for assessment under the Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and control of supply of cannabis for medical use) Regulations 2019 for inclusion in the MCAP. The operationalisation of the programme is the responsibility of the HSE and it is expected to commence in June.

Amendments to the legislation underpinning the MCAP are a matter for the Minister for Health only. Departmental officials have been made aware by HPRA of applications by producers of cannabis-based products which currently do not meet the requirements as set out in the legislation and is the subject of ongoing discussions.