Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions secured under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 in 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of those convicted each year who were given a mandatory ten-year jail sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34721/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him. I refer to the second part of the Deputy's Question and wish to advise that my Department does not compile statistics in relation to sentencing as this is a matter for the Courts Service which under the Courts Service Act 1998 is independent in the performance of its functions including the management of the courts and the provision of statistics. The operation of the provision in question is subject to review.