408. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for an update on the medical cannabis access programme; the number of approved products under the scheme; the number of actively supplied products under the scheme which are available in the state; the number of individuals availing of the scheme; and the number of individuals approved for the scheme who cannot access a product on the scheme. [30418/24]

409. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he is considering any products or conditions for addition to the medical cannabis access programme. [30419/24]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.

There are 10 products meeting the definition of "specified controlled drug" in S.I. 262/2019, the Misuse Of Drugs (Prescription And Control Of Supply Of Cannabis For Medical Use) Regulations 2019, however 2 products, made by Aurora, have not been brought to market by the manufacturer.

There are 55 approved individuals on the MCAP register since its implementation in November 2021. The HSE, operationally responsible for the MCAP, is not aware of any patients who cannot access the products under MCAP.

Prospective suppliers of products to the Medical Cannabis Access Programme can apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), acting on behalf of the Minister for Health, to have a cannabis product considered for inclusion in the schedule to the Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and Control of Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use) Regulations 2019. Applicants must provide evidence to demonstrate that the proposed cannabis product meets the requirements of a ‘specified controlled drug’ as defined in the MCAP legislation. The onus is on prospective suppliers to submit applications to the HPRA. The HPRA is currently considering 3 applications for products to be added to the MCAP.

My Department is in the process of establishing a Clinical Review Group. While I cannot put a definitive timeline on the work of the clinical review group, it is my ambition that the review will be completed by the end of this year.

Upon completing its work, the clinical review group will make recommendations to me as Minister for Health as to whether there is sufficient evidence to include other conditions in the Medical Cannabis Access Programme.

Question No. 409 answered with Question No. 408.