468. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons caught in possession of 7 g or less of cannabis for the past two years, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3262/23] 

Simon Harris, Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will also be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda ICT systems. As Minister for Justice, I also have no role in such matters. 

However, to be of assistance, I requested related information from the Garda authorities who inform me that it is not possible to provide the requested data in respect of this request due to the manner in which the data is recorded on the PULSE system. 

I am further informed that Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) provides verified data regarding drug types, weights and values following analysis. However, this data is provided only in aggregated format and published in An Garda Síochána annual reports. 

The Deputy will be aware that the Government’s strategic approach to the misuse of drugs is health-led, under the National Drugs and Alcohol Strategy 2017-2025, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, with the intention being to reduce demand, while balancing this with limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible.