Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views regarding a change in law and regulations to allow for the medicinal prescription of cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/14] 

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988, made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, are the primary legislative instrument regulating the import, export, manufacture, production, prescribing, supply, possession and administration of controlled drugs in Ireland. On 11th July this year, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations were amended to allow for certain cannabis based medicinal products to be used in Ireland.

Subsequently the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) granted a marketing authorisation for cannabis based medicinal product Sativex® to be marketed in this State. Sativex®   is indicated for the relief of symptoms of spasticity for people with multiple sclerosis where other conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate benefit.