A seven-year-old girl from Cork will be allowed to use medicinal cannabis to treat her severe form of epilepsy.

Ava Barry has a rare, drug-resistant form of epilepsy, known as Dravet syndrome, which can lead to up to 20 seizures per day. Her mother, Vera Twomey, has been involved in an ongoing campaign aimed at allowing her daughter to access medicinal cannabis to treat the condition.

Earlier this year, the family made the difficult decision to move to the Netherlands so that they could access the drug there. Ava made great progress and is seizure free, however the family then faced another difficult decision. Ms Twomey moved back to Ireland with their three other children, while Ava stayed in the Netherlands with her father.

While medicinal cannabis is not illegal here, individual GPs can only prescribe it if they have been granted a special license by the Minister for Health. Obtaining such a license is a difficult and lengthy process.

However, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has confirmed that he has granted a license that will allow Ava to use the drug here.

In an emotional post to Facebook, Ms Twomey said that Ava had been granted the license ‘and we are coming home...and we will be home for Christmas'.

She also thanked all of the people who have supported the family during this difficult time.

*Pictured is Vera Twomey sharing the good news on Facebook