Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 245 - Medicinal products [Savitex] [39838/12].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 245 - Medicinal products [Savitex] [39838/12]. (20 Sep 2012)

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245. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate the necessary procedures immediately, to make Savitex drug available to multiple sclerosis patients, in view of the fact that it is highly successful for the treatment of spasticity and it is available in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39838/12] 

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research. My Department is currently examining how authorised cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of MS in Ireland. In that respect, Department officials have been engaging with experts to identify how best to legally describe authorised cannabis-based medicinal products while maintaining existing controls on cannabis and cannabis substances. While the legislative amendments required can be made by means of statutory instrument, the legal issues are complex. It is not possible to set out an exact timeframe but it is hoped to bring forward legislative proposals in late 2012 or early 2013. 

 
Dáil Éireann Debate – Written answers
Thursday, 20 September 2012

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