Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an estimated number of cannabis users here; his views on whether this figure is in the region of 300,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42854/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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A definitive estimate of the number of cannabis users in Ireland is not available. The first Drug Prevalence Survey 2002/2003 that was carried out among the 15-64 year age group provides the only national evidence available.

Of the 4,900 people interviewed for that survey, just over 17% reported some past use of cannabis, with males being almost twice as likely to report such use. Lifetime exposure to cannabis was substantially higher in younger adults aged 15-34 years (24% compared to 11% for adults over 35 years). This mirrors findings from earlier research and confirms the fact that cannabis use by Irish people as they enter early adulthood is a relatively new phenomenon.

The last year prevalence was 5% in the overall population, and the last month prevalence was 2.6%. Of those who reported use in the past month, 40.7% had only used on a couple of occasions, 14% used several times a week while 22.2% were using on an almost daily basis. Using the latter two figures as a best estimate of regular use (36.2% using several times a week/daily), this would suggest that 0.94% of the population aged 15-64 are regular users of cannabis. Such a percentage would indicate a much lower figure than 300,000.

As stated, these figures date back to 2002/2003 and so are of limited use at this stage. However, they provide base information to facilitate the monitoring of trends going forward. Fieldwork for the second Drug Prevalence Survey is currently in progress and will be completed in April 2007, with first reports becoming available in the autumn. This survey will give a clearer view of the prevalence and changing nature of drug misuse, including cannabis, in Ireland.