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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Abigail McQuillan cannabis reimbursement

Summary

Deputy Ó Murchú raises a constituent’s reimbursement difficulties for ministerially approved cannabis used to treat a seriously ill teenager. The Tánaiste says he lacks the details, that reimbursement is a HSE matter, and that he will alert the Health Minister.

I want to raise the situation of Abigail McQuillan from Blackrock in Dundalk. Her mum, Deborah, made contact with my office. Abigail is 16 and is getting ministerially approved cannabis from a London clinic through a pharmacy in Newry.

She has Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, which is life-changing. She has been on the product for nearly six months. It is usually imported from the Netherlands for €5,000 but it is being obtained for €600 per month. Ms Deborah McQuillan has dealt with the HSE, including the primary care reimbursement service. My office has dealt with the matter multiple times and we are told further information is needed. One is not told the exact information required. We just need this issue dealt with and the system streamlined.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

We are dealing with promised legislation and the programme for Government.

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Yes, but this is about reimbursement. Could the Tánaiste deal with that?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy. I am sorry to hear about the experience his constituent is having. I am afraid I do not have any information on the particular issue. Reimbursement is a matter for the HSE. I will certainly let the Minister for Health know the matter was raised in the Dáil.

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