2388. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the total number of persons in each of the years 2023 to 2025 that were convicted of offenses related to the sale of cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61974/26]

2389. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the total number of persons in each of the years 2023 to 2025 that were convicted of offenses related to the sale of synthetic cannabinoids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61973/26]

2390. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the total number of persons in each of the years 2023 to 2025 that were convicted of offenses related to the consumption of cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61972/26]

2410. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the total number of persons in each of the years 2023 to 2025 that were convicted of offenses related to the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61971/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2388 to 2390, inclusive, and 2410 together.

Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions including the recording of conviction data is the responsibility of the Courts Service who are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.

As Minister, I have no role in these independent matters. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.

However, to be of assistance, I am advised by the Courts service that convictions are recorded on Courts Service case management systems by reference to the offence concerned. In this regard it should be noted that the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids or cannabis is not a standalone offence. As such the Courts Service is unable to provide the specific information requested.

Similarly, regarding the sale of synthetic cannabinoids or cannabis, such activities fall under the general offences for possession for sale or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended). As recorded court data does not categorise convictions by specific substance type, it is not possible to disaggregate this information to produce a report on convictions relating to the specific substance to which the Deputy has referred.

The Deputy may be interested to note that on the 28 August 2026 the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, and I announced the establishment of a joint Working Group to address the availability and use of synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

The Working Group brings together the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies. The group will strengthen enforcement of existing legislation, improve coordination across government, and support a rapid response to emerging drug risks, including synthetic cannabinoids found in products sold in shops, online and through other markets.