618. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who are currently in prison or out on temporary release for cannabis-related offences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5057/22]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there are a number of offences listed as Controlled Drugs Offences on the prison system.

Only two offences are listed on the prison system which specifically describe cannabis-related offences.

A prisoner could however be sentenced for a drug related offence that is not specifically categorised as cannabis related on the prison system.

On 31 December 2021, there were 14 individuals in custody whose most serious offence was specifically categorised as a cannabis related offence and there was one person on temporary release with the same offence.

On the same date, an additional 365 individuals were in custody whose most serious offence was categorised as a controlled drug offence. However, as the type of drug is not specified for this cohort, it is not possible to identify how many, if any, were convicted of a cannabis-related offence.

In addition, the above figure does not include those that were on temporary release with the same offences on that date.

It is important to note that each application for temporary release of any nature is considered on its individual merits and a number of factors are taken into account when making a decision, including the nature of the offence and whether the person poses a threat to public safety.