791. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of drug finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; the estimated value of these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; the number of persons who have been convicted for these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; and the number of Irish Prison Service staff who have been convicted for these finds in each prison for each of the past five years.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14856/26]

792. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of phones and illegal contraband which have been found in each prison for each of the past five years; the number of persons who have been convicted for these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; and the number of Irish Prison Service staff who have been convicted for these finds in each prison for each of the past ten years respectively. [14857/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: I propose to take Questions Nos. 791 and 792 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service (IPS), together with An Garda Síochána, have completed several very successful collaborative operations in the past year, delivering significant results, including multiple arrests and prosecutions linked to attempts to introduce drugs and other contraband into prisons by drone or throw-over.

This intelligence-led, multi-agency co-operation is effectively detecting and disrupting attempted delivery of contraband into prisons, and improving communication pathways regarding supply, availability, typology and impact of illicit substances in prisons.

The prevention of access to contraband within prisons will always be a high priority for the IPS. IPS staff work tirelessly to take steps to prevent access to contraband and to reduce the flow of illicit substances into our prisons. The IPS has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support efforts to keep contraband out of prisons. This includes security measures such as the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, enhanced CCTV monitoring, the stricter control of visits, the use of random drug testing and daily targeted searches.

It is the case that over 70% of people committed to prison have issues with substance abuse. All prisoners on committal are assessed and a treatment plan is agreed for those who wish to address their substance abuse issues while in prison custody.

In relation to the data sought in the Deputy's questions, the tables for contraband and drugs statistics from 2015-2024 by Prison are available on the IPS website. Total figures for contraband and drugs statistics for 2025 are outlined in the table below. I am advised that a finalised 2025 table, broken down per prison, will be published on the IPS website in due course.

2025 Table of Contraband & Drug Seizures

The IPS does not collate statistics on the value of drug finds. Any suspected drug seizure is passed to An Garda Síochána for investigation. The IPS have further advised that it does not hold centralised data in respect of those who have been convicted for possession of drugs in prisons.