572. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health when the clinical review of the future of the medical cannabis access programme will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/23]

Minister for Health: It is anticipated the review of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme, to ascertain if evidence exists to broaden the scope of conditions covered by the programme, will be completed by the end of 2023.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 573. Cannabis for medical use. [41392/23]

573. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health how many patients to date have been enrolled in the medical cannabis access programme; if he will provide a breakdown, on those enrolments, of the conditions for which they have been prescribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41392/23]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: Since its commencement, 49 patients have been accepted for treatment with cannabis based products for the treatment of one the stated conditions in the programme, namely:

a. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision; 34 patients

b. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision; 3 patients

c. Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision: 12 patients