Let Bill on Cannabis progress, ‘for Ava'

INDEPENDENT West Cork Deputy Michael Collins is calling on Health Minister Simon Harris TD to allow the Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill to progress to committee stage.

‘The issue at hand is far too important, not only for young Ava Barry and her mother Vera, who have faced this nightmare for years, but all people affected with this type of epilepsy and other illnesses,’ Deputy Collins said in the Dáil last week. ‘I am sure that all of the relevant changes to the legislation, to allow only sick patients obtain the necessary CBD-treatment here can be addressed at committee stage.’

Ava (7) from Aghabullogue near Coachford, who suffers from Dravet’s Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, is currently undergoing medical treatment in the Netherlands, where she can access the CBD treatment. Ava has not suffered a seizure since beginning her treatment in Holland.

‘As a result of Ava’s medical treatment in Holland, her seizures have stopped. Vera, Ava’s mother, has described this as life-saving,’ Deputy Collins continued. ‘However, Ava is currently unable to return home as she cannot legally possess the necessary CBD-based treatment here.’

‘The Cannabis Bill must be put forward to committee stage and any relevant issues and amendments be addressed at that stage,’ Deputy Collins said. ‘