1646. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the licence application for cannabis for medical use under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1191/22]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: The Department does not comment on individual cases.

Ministerial Licence under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016

Under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977-2016, doctors may utilise the Ministerial licensing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so.

In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, either by a consultant or by a GP which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.

Further information is available on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/fb8912-cannabis-for-medical-use/

It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.