Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2019
152. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested for cannabis-related offences in each of the years 2013 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14385/19]
View answer153. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cannabis grow house seizures in each of the years 2013 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14386/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, data of this nature is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information he requested is not available in the manner specified as the offences are not categorised in such a manner on PULSE.
Data on drugs generally is provided in PULSE incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána. Table 1 (2013 - 2018) attached relates to Drug Offences, including Simple Possession; Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply; Importation of Drugs and Cultivation or Manufacture of Drugs. Table 2 (2013 -2018) attached relates to Cultivation or Manufacture of Drugs Offences.
I can inform the Deputy that intelligence-led operations have resulted in the recent discovery by An Garda Síochána of a number of grow houses, including cannabis material with an estimated street value of €235,000 in Carlow; and material with an estimated street value of €40,000 in Louth.
Table 1 - PULSE incidents recorded* for Drug Offences including Simple Possession; Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply; Importation of Drugs and Cultivation or Manufacture of Drugs for the past six years, from 2013 to 2018
|
Year |
Number of Individuals |
|
2013 |
12,695 |
|
2014 |
12,683 |
|
2015 |
12,221 |
|
2016 |
13,257 |
|
2017 |
14,261 |
|
2018 |
15,462 |
Table 2 - PULSE incidents recorded* for Cultivation or Manufacture of Drugs Offences for the past six years, from 2013 to 2018
|
Year |
Number of Incidents |
|
2013 |
419 |
|
2014 |
360 |
|
2015 |
251 |
|
2016 |
272 |
|
2017 |
265 |
|
2018 |
211 |
*Information is based on operational data as of 26 March 2019, and is provisional and subject to change.
