Medicinal cannabis reimbursement
Deputy Kenny raised the hardship facing a Roscommon family after a medicinal cannabis licence was granted without reimbursement. The Minister of State said he could not comment on an individual case, outlined the compassionate access programme, and said work was ongoing on the wider issue.
I raise an issue I have raised on numerous occasions over the past two and a half years, that is, access to medicinal cannabis. Mr. Kenny Tynan is a father of four from Roscommon who a number of years ago was diagnosed with a brain tumour and last year was granted a medicinal cannabis licence by the Minister. Unfortunately, that licence did not involve reimbursement. Somebody, in the interim, has paid for the first three months of medical cannabis. Obviously, that person cannot continue to do so, putting Mr. Tynan in a stressful situation for his family.
The substantial issue is the medical cannabis programme which was proposed two years ago. As of yet, there is nothing. This programme is not up and running. If the programme was up and running, reimbursement would be guaranteed, as would access. There are families who must leave the jurisdiction to go to Barcelona to get medical cannabis for their children. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone is quite progressive on this issue.
Comment on this
The Tynan family are constituents of mine. Indeed, Deputy Gino Kenny and I have been in contact over this. I will not take up time. I would certainly support the comments being made here on behalf of Mr. Tynan and his family. It is a critical and difficult situation. I hope the Minister will be able to give some clarification and good news to us today.
Comment on this
Obviously, I will not comment on an individual case on the floor of the Dáil. As the Deputies opposite will be aware, there is a compassionate access programme that is consultant-led. Provided it is prescribed by a consultant, the Minister has the authority to sign access to that.
Work is ongoing, as the Deputies will be aware, within the Department. Deputies Kenny and Murphy will be aware of the progress we are trying to make in the area as a whole. Obviously, Deputy Kenny's Bill is part of that consideration, notwithstanding some of the difficulties that are presenting with it. Other than that, I cannot go any further when it is an individual case.
Comment on this
Is there a date for the programme?