I propose to take Questions Nos. 740 and 741 together.
Strengthening the resilience of, and building the capacity of communities to respond to the drug problem is a key objective of the national Drugs Strategy 'Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery'. The strategy is underpinned by an integrated whole of Government approach to resolving the drug problem based on a partnership approach between the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in local communities. They ensure that a coordinated partnership approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on identified needs and priorities in their areas including drug related intimidation and addiction. Memberships of the Task Forces include representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Community and Voluntary Sector as well as other key stakeholders. Mechanisms such as Local Policing Forums also help to build important relationships with communities.
There are a number of initiatives underway to deliver on the commitment in Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery to strengthen the effectiveness of the drug-related intimidation reporting programme in communities.
The National Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme which was developed by the National Family Support Network and An Garda Síochána, provides a framework to allow reporting of an incident of intimidation to a nominated inspector.
An Garda Síochána and the National Family Support Network have concluded separate evaluations of the drug-related intimidation reporting programme and jointly agreed a number of actions to strengthen the programme, including external promotion of the programme through the media, external contacts and various forums.
In 2019 the Department provided additional funding of €1 million for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. Under this funding the Department has approved €190,000 over three years for the Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement Project (DRIVE Project) which will support Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, Projects and the HSE to address the issue of Drug Related Intimidation at local and regional level.
Funding of up to €190,000 over three years has also been approved for the National Family Support Network to develop a national awareness campaign on the drug-related violence and intimidation reporting programme.
Families and communities affected by drug use need to have appropriate, accessible and timely services available to help them cope with the problems they are facing. It is important that we get the message out there that help is available, and that families and communities know where to go for help.
