The Dáil has passed a bill to make cannabis available in Ireland for medicinal use, after the Government said it would not oppose the legislation.
Put forward by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, the bill seeks to legalise and regulate cannabis products, which are used for medical purposes.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Mr Kenny praised Minister for Health Simon Harris for his position in not opposing the bill, while thanking all of those who supported the legislation.
Earlier Mr Kenny said his bill intended to make cannabis available to those with chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer, MS, fibrmyalgia and, under a doctor's recommendation, would help to alleviate symptoms of illness.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Kenny said that research showed cannabis can help a lot of people.
He said it would be up to a doctor to decide if a patient might benefit from the use of the drug.
Mr Kenny said he hoped the medical profession would come on board to support the use of the drug once it has been approved by the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Minister Harris said that although he has concerns about some elements of the bill, he will not oppose its progression to Committee Stage.
Mr Harris asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority to advise him on the scientific and clinical value of cannabis as a medicine.
He said he wants to receive that advice from the agency before progressing the legislation any further.
The minister also indicated that amendments would have to be made to the proposed bill to avoid the unintended effect of making cannabis legal for recreational use.
