205. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice Report on an Examination of the Present Approach to Sanctions for Possession of Certain Amounts of Drugs for Personal Use recommendation that 'the practice of cultivation of currently illicit substances at a modest, non-profit level be examined in light of above recommendations in order to regulate such activity'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15702/23] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: As the Deputy is aware the cultivation of scheduled one controlled drugs for personal use is contrary to the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act. 

In his foreword to the report, the Cathaoirleach of the Justice Committee stated that "The Committee has made a number of recommendations for these areas and a copy of this report will be sent to the Minister for Justice. The Committee looks forward to working proactively and productively with the Minister to engage with the issues and recommendations identified within its report". 

As this report is intended for the Minister for Justice it is not appropriate for the Department of Health to offer comment on it.