Medicinal cannabis legislation
Deputy Moynihan sought legislation for medicinal cannabis access, saying the current system was failing families. After clarification that the question concerned separate legislation, Deputy Donohoe said committee hearings were due in April and that he would seek a timetable from the Health Department.
The promised legislation that I would like to ask about relates to the medicinal use of cannabis. The current system in place is simply not working for families such as the Barry family in Aghabullogue. The Health Products Regulatory Authority published a report in February. Following publication, the Minister announced that he was going to put in place an access programme for cannabis-based treatments. The plan at that point was that the report would be discussed by the joint Oireachtas committee, in consultation with the stakeholders, in respect of how it would operate and how broad it needed to be. The Department of Health was to review the legislative changes needed as well. What progress has been made in the meantime? How soon will this happen? What is the timeline for delivering on this new access programme?
Comment on this
I understand that the legislation to which that question relates is Private Members' legislation drafted by Deputy Gino Kenny.
Comment on this
No. Deputy Moynihan is not referring to the compassionate access programme. This is separate.
Comment on this
Another Bill was brought in by the Minister for Health.
Comment on this
I will respond with the information that I have to hand and then I will deal then with the second point. The committee hearings on the matter are due to take place in April. It will provide an opportunity for the Oireachtas to engage on this matter. I cannot give a time for the particular legislation from the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, but I will contact his Department and get the officials to furnish that information.