29. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons convicted for possession of drugs in 2018 with a value in excess of €13,000; the number that received sentences of less than one, one to three, three to five, five to ten and more than ten years respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47676/19]

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.  The judiciary are of course independent in the exercise of their function.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following breakdown of sentences imposed in 2018 in relation to prosecutions under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act:

It should be noted that this data refers to the main sentence imposed and does not take account of the parts of the sentences which may have been suspended by the Court.