Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1188. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the increase in the past year of incidents of drug-related intimidation in communities; and the additional steps that have been taken by An Garda Síochána to tackle same. [13961/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, tackling crime in our communities is a priority for this government and for An Garda Síochána. As part of Budget 2021, the government has provided a record €1.952 billion to an Garda Síochána in their efforts to tackle crime and to build community resilience against crime.
In respect of drug related crime, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities including in Dublin. It also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners.
The Government has in place the National Drugs Strategy, "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". The Strategy is unique among national drugs strategies across EU Member States in recognising the need to address drug-related debt intimidation at a community level.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, includes a commitment to support the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme. The programme, which was developed by An Garda Síochána in partnership with the National Family Support Network (NFSN), responds to the needs of drug users and family members who may be subject to the threat of drug related intimidation, has been implemented on a national level since 2013.
An Garda Síochána recognises drug-related intimidation's significant impact on communities, with particular regard to the families of those involved in buying and/or using controlled substances, who are particularly vulnerable to being subject to such intimidation. In these interactions, An Garda Síochána advise all persons, even in instances where an individual has felt compelled to pay money to those who engage in drug related intimidation, that they should seek the help and support that An Garda Síochána makes available to them.
An Garda Síochána and, in particular, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), continues to liaise and brief senior Garda Management, in relation to incidents of drug-related intimidation and the potential role of the Reporting programme, in addressing the issues that arise in that regard.
Each divisional officer is required to nominate a member of inspector rank, in his/her division, to undertake the role of ‘single point of contact’ with responsibility for the practical implementation of the commitments and responsibilities of An Garda Síochána set out in the National Drugs & Alcohol Strategy. However, addressing drug related intimidation is considered a responsibility that is to be addressed by all operational members within each Garda Síochána division.
I am assured that, in dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation or the seeking by individuals of relevant advice, An Garda Síochána do so in a manner that is designed to afford the person or family subject to intimidation with the appropriate level of security, advice and support.
An Garda Síochána deals with drug related intimidation in a confidential and secure manner. Insofar as possible, An Garda Síochána offers confidentiality and provides practical personal security and safety information and advice in relation to particular threats or instances of intimidation, along with information on appropriate drug support services for the individual in the family who is accruing drug debts, while also providing information regarding the process involved in making a formal complaint.
An Garda Síochána continues to create awareness and promote the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme in communities nationwide, with the assistance of the National Family Support Network, relevant agencies, Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and through community groups, among others.
Information in relation to the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme is now available on the Garda Síochána Website, www.garda.ie, the National Family Support Network website and the Drugs.ie website.
