Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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619. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost in each of the past five years to forensically test cannabis; the amount of time that is taken up in the forensic unit testing cannabis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5058/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) provides a scientific service to the Criminal Justice System by analysing samples submitted from crime scenes and providing expert evidence in criminal trials. This includes the analysis of suspected drugs seized by State agencies.

I have been advised by FSI that they are unable to comment on the cost or time associated with cannabis testing.

FSI is able, however, to provide data as to the percentage of cannabis cases analysed as a proportion of all drugs cases in a given year. For the Deputy's information, it should be noted that when interpreting these figures that the percentage figure provided for cannabis in a given year does not equate to the percentage of forensic testing time, that is, that a figure of 35% cannabis cases analysed in a given year does not equal 35% of FSI's testing capacity.

% Cannabis cases analysed per year*

*as a proportion of all drug cases analysed