684. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2460 of 13 January 2026, to provide an update on the review of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme; if a chairperson has been appointed; if not, the status of work to put the chairperson and membership in place; the timeline she is working towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13969/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Preparations are underway to appoint a suitably qualified person to chair an expert review of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme. Administration of Schedule 1 cannabis-based products for medical use is one of the key consideration of this review.

I anticipate that work will commence on this Review in Q2 of 2026, with recommendations being submitted to me for consideration within a year from commencement date of the Review.

685. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the timeline for implementation of Ava’s protocol, recommended by Cork City Coroner’s office in 2024; if she is committed to implementing this change to the administration of medical cannabis in hospital settings; if this will be implemented through primary or secondary legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13970/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Preparations are underway to appoint a suitably qualified person to chair an expert review of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme. Administration of Schedule 1 cannabis-based products for medical use is one of the key consideration of this review.

I anticipate that work will commence on this Review in Q2 of 2026, with recommendations being submitted to me for consideration within a year from commencement date of the Review. https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-02-19/685/#pq_685