Medicinal cannabis campaigner at centre of Dail exchanges
CORK Solidarity Deputy Mick Barry was accused by newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney of politicising the case of well-known Cork medicinal cannabis campaigner Vera Twomey during heated exchanges in the Dáil.
The exchanges took place during the debate on the nomination of the new Cabinet members on Wednesday evening (of last week).
Ms Twomey has said she intends bringing her daughter Ava abroad to access medicinal cannabis treatment for a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.
Referring to reports that Minister Simon Harris was retaining the Health portfolio “as some kind of punishment”, Deputy Barry said if he were Minister for Health the very first thing he would do is attempt to ensure justice for Vera Twomey.
“I drove down to Vera’s home in Aghabullogue, County Cork, at the start of this week and sat with her over a cup of tea in her kitchen,” he said. “She told me about how she is being forced to go abroad with her family. Why? To access medicine for her sick child.
“Tonight, as this debate is taking place, she is packing her bags and making the preparations to go, perhaps as early as next week.”
However, Minister Coveney interrupted Deputy Barry to say: “The Deputy should not be abusing Vera Twomey for political reasons. He is a disgrace. I talk to her, too. The Deputies should not be politicising her case.
“She is a vulnerable person and the Deputy should not be using her for political reasons. She is a good person and a vulnerable person, and the Deputies should not be using her for political reasons.”
Deputy Barry replied: “She is a good person. I agree with that entirely. What should be done on foot of those points are two things. First, stop the foot dragging and the attempt to delay the Bill to legalise medicinal cannabis.... and do what needs to be done and talk to the people in the HSE. The Irish Medical Organisation has called for change on this issue. ”
Minister Coveney: “Let doctors make decisions and not politicians.” Minister Simon Harris: “Dr Barry!” Deputy Barry: “I will finish on this sentence. I have the record tonight of being interrupted by the greatest number of Ministers. Is that not some record to have?”
Minister Charlie Flanagan: “The record for making the most outrageous allegations.”