Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
231. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports that have been made to the drug related intimidation reporting programme by Garda division in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/18]
View answer232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports that have been made to the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each of the past five years which relate to debts incurred by children and young persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/18]
View answer243. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress to date of the evaluation of the drug related intimidation reporting programme by An Garda Síochána and an organisation (details supplied); when the evaluations will be completed; and if a report will be published following these evaluations. [29148/18]
View answer244. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress of the commitment of An Garda Síochána on the delivery of seminars and briefings to local Garda management on the drug related intimidation reporting programme; if these seminars and briefings have been rolled out in the Louth Garda division; and the feedback received from local Garda management. [29149/18]
View answer245. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the resources allocated to each Garda division to respond to drug related intimidation in communities in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [29150/18]
View answer246. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports received through the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each Garda division from the inception of the programme. [29151/18]
View answer247. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the resources, training and funding allocated to the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each Garda division from the inception of the programme. [29152/18]
View answer248. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to provide additional resources to County Louth to address drug related intimidation in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29153/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231, 232 and 243 to 248, inclusive, together.
Drug-related intimidation is an extremely serious issue which involves the targeting of persons who use drugs, or their family or friends in relation to a drug debt. It involves insidious and coercive behaviour directed at forcing compliance of another person against their will. The intimidation can be either explicit or implicit, involving actual, threatened or perceived threats of violence to a person or damage to property.
The threat of violence to enforce drug debt impacts people's lives greatly and creates an atmosphere of fear within communities, particularly those where there is a concentration of illicit drug markets. In many instances, such communities are already marginalised and are also having to contend with social and public disorder and other forms of criminality associated with the illicit drugs trade.
An Garda Síochána will stress that whether or not a family or loved one has paid these debts, this should not be a deterrent to seeking their help, advice and support. An Garda Síochána will take action in relation to drug related intimidation, particularly where there is a risk of harm, or to the life of a person.
The problem of drug debt intimidation has been highlighted in the current and previous national drug and alcohol strategies. Under the 2009 – 2016 Strategy, the Garda National Drugs Unit and the National Family Support Network developed "The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme" to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing such intimidation.
Under the new strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025", the issue is again signalled for further action. In 2018, An Garda Síochána will be carrying out an evaluation of the Programme to strengthen its effectiveness and, if appropriate, to develop measures to raise public awareness of the Programme. The National Family Support Network, who worked with An Garda Síochána to develop the Programme, will also be carrying out their own evaluation from the perspective of their network. Both of these evaluations are underway and I look forward to hearing the outcome of them.
Under the Reporting Programme, an Inspector has been selected in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors are management level personnel within An Garda Síochána who liaise directly with their local Superintendent in relation to each individual case. Persons seeking the assistance of the Inspector in their area may contact him or her to arrange to meet either formally or informally. It is also possible for a person to ask a local family support worker or drugs worker to contact the Inspector for their area, or to ask the National Family Support Network to do so. If anyone experiences difficulty contacting the relevant inspector they can contact the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. The contact details for all Garda Inspectors nominated under the Programme are available on the Garda website.
In dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation, or advice sought in relation to this issue, An Garda Síochána do so with the utmost regard to the safety and the most effective means to afford the person or family subject to the threat, the best level of security, advice and support. Confidentiality and security of the persons concerned are paramount for An Garda Síochána when dealing with reports under the Programme.
With regard to the specific information sought in relation to the numbers of reports received by An Garda Síochána under the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, the resources, training and funding provided to it and the delivery of seminars and briefings to local Garda Management, I have requested a report from the Acting Garda Commissioner in each of these respects, with specific reference to the position in County Louth.
When this report is to hand I will respond further to the Deputies.
