Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
51. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the extent of intimidation of families and young persons in respect of drug dealing and drug debt, particularly in Dublin; the way in which this can be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32681/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe drug related intimidation brought to bear against members of the community, and often our most vulnerable communities, is a serious challenge which I am determined that our criminal justice system should address. Community Policing initiatives and building trust with communities are integral to successfully tackling this issue. 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 drug related intimidation as laid out in the Government’s National Drugs Strategy.
Work is well underway in regards to a comprehensive and integrated new National Drugs Strategy for the period post 2016 and An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities it serves. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for all agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.
As things stand, an Inspector has been selected in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors are of Management level within An Garda Síochána and liaise directly with their local Superintendent in relation to each individual case. Persons seeking the assistance of the Inspector in their area may contact their Inspector to arrange to meet with them either formally or informally. It is also possible for a person to ask a local family support worker or drugs worker to contact the Garda Inspector for their area or ask the National Family Support Network to contact the relevant Inspector. If anyone experiences difficulty contacting the relevant Garda Inspector they can contact the Project Office at the Garda National Drugs Unit. The contact details for the nominated Garda Inspectors are available on the Garda website.
In dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation or advice sought in relation to this issue the Garda Síochána do so with the utmost safety and effective means in order to afford the person or family subject to the threat of the best level of security, advice and support which can be offered. Most importantly the Garda Síochána will deal with this issue in the utmost confidential and secure fashion.
At the heart of the concerns expressed by the Deputy, is the relationship between communities and their local Gardaí. It is worth recalling that the Programme for a Partnership Government underlines the importance of community policing in responding to the concerns and expectation of both urban and rural communities. I would like to re-affirm that the Government remains committed to supporting the Gardaí to make communities safer. The Government has devoted very significant resources for policing in recent years, and this will continue, in particular through the accelerated programme of Garda recruitment. This undoubtedly will enhance policing services for all communities across the country.
An Garda Síochána is involved in a variety of activities, including local and Regional drug and alcohol Task Forces, Garda youth diversionary projects, the juvenile diversion programme, the Garda schools programme and the conducting of proactive operations designed to address drug supply in communities.
However, I would also like to emphasise that, in particular where communities experience intimidation, Joint Policing Committees have a very important role in facilitating consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives and active and constructive engagement by elected members is very important.
