I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.
The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the following table provides details of prosecutions issued for offences involving the possession, sale and supply of drugs generally in Waterford, Dungarvan and Lismore courts in Co Waterford. The Courts Service has advised that they cannot provide figures for specific drugs.
Year
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
Number of Offences
|
656
|
889
|
831
|
658
|
619
|