'There is a real possibility now that Ava will be helped' - Mother’s delight over medicinal cannabis law

The family of a six-year-old girl who suffers 20 seizures a day because of a serious health condition has welcomed news that the Government will not block an opposition bill to legalise cannabis use for strictly controlled medical reasons.

Vera Twomey from Cork was speaking after the Independent Alliance said it will support the bill and Fine Gael confirmed it will not seek a vote on the legislation next week.

Combined with the support of Fianna Fáil, the Greens, Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats, the AAA-PBP bill is certain to pass to committee stage before being put into law early next year.

And while Fine Gael Health Minister Simon Harris last night said this committee stage must not take place until he receives an independent report on the issue in January, the developments mean the use of cannabis for medical purposes is now almost certain to occur.

Responding to the news last night, Ms Twomey said she was delighted to see her voice has been heard.

She has resolutely campaigned for medical cannabis use to be allowed for her daughter Ava.

“There is a real possibility now that Ava will be helped, as will people with epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain,” she said.

Mr Harris last night said he agreed not to seek a Dáil vote after AAA-PBP TDs Gino Kenny and Richard Boyd Barrett committed to removing parts of the bill calling for the complete legalisation of cannabis at a private meeting on Tuesday night.

The Independent Alliance said because this issue will now be removed they want to see the new law begin immediately.

However, Mr Harris said he wants to delay the committee stage until after an independent review in January on how medical cannabis can be licensed.