658. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to reimburse medication under the long-term illness scheme for medical CBD and THC for persons granted licences for the medication to treat epilepsy; and the scheme under which this medication will be covered in view of the fact that other anti-epilepsy medication is covered under the long-term illness scheme [12839/18]

Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): My Department and HSE officials are currently considering funding and access proposals for cannabis-based products for medicinal use including work to establish a reliable and affordable quality controlled cannabis product supply for the Irish market.

In relation to the reimbursement of cannabis-based products in the community drug schemes, I understand that the HSE is currently considering a reimbursement application, in line with the statutory requirements for the schemes.