37. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice how many people received an adult caution for the possession of cannabis for personal use since cannabis was included in the adult caution scheme; how many people have been brought before the courts for simple possession of cannabis since the inclusion of cannabis under the adult caution scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8322/24]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: As the Deputy will be aware, the Adult Caution Scheme is a non-statutory scheme agreed between, and administered by, An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Both the Garda Commissioner and the Director of Public Prosecutions are independent in their functions and I, as Minister, have no role in the setting of criteria used when administering the Scheme.

However, I am advised that the Garda Authorities have published the policy documentation relating to the Scheme at the following link on the Garda website:

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/policy-documents/adult-cautioning-scheme-policy-document-feb-21-.pdf

Offences under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended) for possession of cannabis or cannabis resin, a controlled substance, were added to the Adult Cautioning Scheme from 14 December 2020. Only offences from that date were eligible for consideration of the issuance of a caution.

To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised of the following information. Figures supplied are taken from PULSE as of 16 February, are operational and subject to change.

From 14 December 2020 to 16 February 2024, 5,139 people were issued an Adult Caution for simple possession of cannabis or cannabis resin.

In the same period, 17,125 people were issued with a charge/summons for simple possession of cannabis or cannabis resin.