I 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.