Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 March 2012
170 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drug dealing convictions over €250,000 during the years 2007 to 2012, inclusive; the resulting sentence for each conviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management and administration of the courts including responsibility for maintaining and publishing court statistics is a function of the Courts Service. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that it does not record the number of drug dealing convictions over €250,000 as there is no statutory threshold in relation to that monetary value. The Courts Service has informed me that statistics are maintained in respect of Section 15(a) and (b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 which provides for the only applicable threshold in relation to the market value of drugs. That threshold is €13,000 and I will request the Courts Service to forward the information direct to the Deputy.
