Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have a criminal record for cannabis possession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47593/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have had enquiries made with the relevant authorities concerning the availability of the information requested.

In this regard, I am advised by the Courts Service that data of the detail being sought is not readily available.

The collation of such information would require a disproportionate use of available resources. However, detailed information in respect of total drug offences, including possession offences, and related court outcomes is provided in the annual reports of the Courts Service which are available at www.courts.ie.

Further information on overall drug offence data is also provided by the Central Statistics Office which can be accessed at www.cso.ie.