A family from Co Cork has met the Minister for Health as part of their campaign for the legalisation of medicinal marijuana.

Vera Twomey's six-year-old daughter Ava has a rare, drug-resistant form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, which can result in up to 20 seizures a day.

The family wants tetrahydrocannabinol -THC - a component of cannabis to be legalised, as they believe it could help reduce the number of life-threatening seizures Ava has.

They say that since last month Ava has been given cannabis oil - CBD - which has cut her seizures by up to 80% and believe THC could help even more.

Last week, Ms Twomey set off on foot from her home in Aghabullogue to the Dáil to highlight her campaign.

She called off her journey nine hours later after Minister Simon Harris said he would meet her.

Following today's meeting, Ms Twomey said the minister said he is to ask his officials to complete a review into the matter, which is due to be completed by January.

She and her husband Paul Barry are due to attend a press conference organised by the AAA/PBP TD Gino Kenny on his bill for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis.

The bill, which was first published last July, provides for the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use so that patients can receive a legally protected, secure supply that is safe and effective.

Mr Kenny said he hopes the bill will be debated in the Dáil by next February at the latest.

The Department of Health has said it would consider the Opposition Bill at that point.