asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report that cannabis plants were cultivated near Cork city; and the action which he and the Minister for Agriculture and Food are taking to locate other areas in the country where the plant may be cultivated.
Written Answers. - Cannabis Plants.
85.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in recent weeks they have made three seizures of cannabis plants in the Cork East Division. In all approximately 200 cannabis plants were seized and destroyed. The Garda authorities inform me that, despite these incidents, they are satisfied that cannabis growing is not a problem of any particular significance in the area. They are, however, monitoring the situation closely.
The Garda authorities also inform me that, as part of the specialised drug training which is provided to gardaí, members are trained to recognise this plant and to be alert to the possibility of its cultivation at particular times and in particular places.