“We must put a protocol in place for this vulnerable group to obtain their prescriptions”

Dublin Mid-West People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, said he has been contacted by a number of people who were granted Ministerial licenses to obtain and use medicinal cannabis.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and advice around social distancing and travelling to different jurisdictions, Deputy Kenny has written to the Minister for Health to get clarity about contingency prescription arrangements for those who hold a license.

Deputy Kenny said: “Clearly, there will be practical and logistical difficulties for over 30 families who have to travel to obtain medicinal cannabis. These difficulties, coupled with the fact that all of these patients are extremely vulnerable as a result of their underlying conditions, are presenting serious issues.

“These families need to know if the HSE have put any plans in place to have these prescriptions filled and delivered to them to minimise the risk of catching and spreading the virus. The level of anxiety and stress this is causing for families involved cannot be overstated. It would make sense to use the services of an organisation familiar with the distribution of medications to take over the collection and delivery of the cannabis, even just for the duration of the pandemic

“I urge the Minister to respond to this issue as soon as possible so that the immense worry and anxiety these families are currently experiencing can be alleviated and the unnecessary potential spread of the virus amongst vulnerable groups can be minimised.”