Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
443 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been convicted of having drugs with a value of €12,700 or above since the introduction of section 5 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999; the number of persons that have received a ten-year sentence under section 5 of this Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31381/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of mandatory sentencing for drug trafficking offences was introduced under section 5 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999. This provision became law on 26 May 1999 and provides, subject to certain conditions, for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment for persons convicted of a drug trafficking offence, where the value of the drugs are €13,000 or more.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that in the period between the introduction of this provision and 29 November 2004, a total of 229 persons have been prosecuted. Of these, 22 persons have received a sentence of ten years or more.
I am satisfied that the provision of the 1999 Act is being implemented by the courts. However, I am considering whether improvements could be made to the provision to strengthen its effect. In this respect I am considering bringing forward proposals to strengthen the provision by way of Committee Stage amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004.
