I have asked this question on a number of occasions. It is time for full transparency and a comprehensive response. The question relates to the commitment made by the Minister for Health nearly two years ago to introduce a compassionate access programme in respect of medical cannabis. The Taoiseach will be aware that the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, recommended quite a long time ago the introduction of a compassionate access programme in respect of drug-resistant epilepsy, people who get sick from chemotherapy, and spasticity among multiple sclerosis sufferers. Approximately 14 import licences have been given to various individuals. Many have been waiting and waiting for the introduction of the access programme but we are no wiser now, so long on. I ask the Taoiseach to outline the Government's position on the introduction of the compassionate access programme. If he does not have the details now, will he provide me with a comprehensive response as soon as possible?

It is being worked on by the Minister and the Department of Health. I do not have an up-to-date position but I will certainly make sure it is provided to the Deputy.

Yesterday, the supplementary Scally report issued. I commend Dr. Scally on the work he is doing under very difficult circumstances. A number of sections jump out in the report, not least the chapter relating to the procurement of laboratory services. The report raises a number of serious questions, including why the HSE reduced the weighting for quality assurance and capacity and increased the weighting for costs in the tendering process. That is an important issue. The rationale for reducing the emphasis on quality and capacity in favour of increasing emphasis on cost needs to be explained in full. The report also raises other issues in regard to laboratories subcontracting other laboratories without the knowledge of the HSE, and questions are asked in respect of retrospective accreditation. Does the Taoiseach support a call for time to be made available in the Dáil for statements on this issue so we can get answers to these serious questions?

The Scally report is critical of the lack of payment for the work put in by the relatives of those directly affected by this scandal and who are now involved in transforming the system. From a Government perspective, will consideration be given to this payment in the time ahead?

The answer is "Yes" on both accounts but the ordering of business is a matter for the Business Committee.