The bill is due to be debated in the Dáil on Thursday.

A bill proposing the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Ireland is expected to be passed through Dáil Éireann. The bill, proposed by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, provides for the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use so that patients can receive a legally protected, secure supply that is safe and effective. According to the Irish Times, the bill has the support of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, the Green Party and the Anti-Austerity Alliance. The Independent Alliance, meanwhile, which consists of Michael Fitzmaurice, Tom Fleming, John Halligan, Finian McGrath and Shane Ross, are to exercise their right to a free vote on the proposed legislation. The bill will be debated in the Dáil on Thursday, with a vote expected to follow next week and with such a high level of support, it is anticipated that the bill will be passed. If and when it is passed, the bill, which proposes the establishment of a cannabis regulatory authority tasked with regulating the sale, labelling, advertising and marketing of cannabis and related products, will go to the Oireachtas health committee for examination. Health Minister Simon Harris is said to have concerns about the bill and is awaiting a report from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) about the issue, a report which is due in January. Harris, as well as Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, Labour and the Independent Alliance, are likely to seek changes to the bill at committee stage.