21. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he can clarify the position in relation to a person carrying prescribed medicinal cannabis products from an another state, specifically in relation to Article 75 of the Schengen Implementing Convention, which states that it is permissible to transport drugs and psychotropic substances needed as part of medical treatment if the person concerned has a certificate issued by a competent authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/23] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health - Statutory Instrument 156/2023, the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 provides for Schengen residents travelling into Ireland with prescribed Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 (under the Irish Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017) narcotics or psychotropic substances for their own personal use while in possession of a certificate pursuant to Article 75 of the Schengen Acquis. Currently Ireland does not permit the importation from the Schengen area of a prescribed cannabis-based product as that is a Schedule 1 controlled drug. The decision on what prescribed products may be allowed enter a country is a decision for the destination Schengen country and not one for the Schengen resident's country of origin within the zone.