Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the further steps that can be taken to protect families and communities from intimidation by drug dealers. [22954/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 May 2018
Ceisteanna (138)
Freagraí scríofa
The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, acknowledges that criminal activity associated with illicit drug markets can create an intimidating and frightening environment in local communities. In particular, the use of violence or the threats of violence to enforce drug-related debts can impact on the health and wellbeing of families of drug users.
The national drug-related intimidation reporting programme, developed by An Garda Síochána and the Family Support Network, provides a framework to allow reporting of incidents of intimidation to a nominated Garda inspector. An Garda Síochána is currently delivering seminars and briefings to local management and appointed Inspectors in relation to the programme. More information on the programme is available at www.garda.ie/en/Crime/Drugs/The-Drugs-Related-Intimidation-Reporting-Programme.
It is a priority for me that families and communities are protected from drug-related intimidation and I am committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the programme. To this end, An Garda Síochána and the Family Support Network are undertaking evaluations of the programme. These evaluations can inform the development of measures to raise public awareness of the programme.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 137.