Mr. John Twomey:

An Garda Síochána’s policing plan for 2015 sets out our continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity. Members of An Garda Síochána utilise all available resources and legislation, including additional legislative provisions introduced by the Oireachtas in 2009 which amended the Criminal Justice Act 2006 relating to organised crime. The force continues to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks through targeted operations.

Criminal organisations involved in the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs operate at a local, national and international level. We have various strategies to target these. An Garda Síochána co-ordinates drug trafficking investigations on a national and international basis through the Garda national drugs unit based in Dublin Castle. An Garda Síochána supports local communities in tackling drug dealing in their locality through various initiatives pursuing both supply and demand reduction initiatives as laid out in the Government’s national drugs strategy. We continue to tackle organised criminal networks involved in drug crime and drug importation, working closely with our partners in law enforcement nationally and internationally. 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.

In 2014, more than €62 million worth of drugs were seized in the country and in excess of €310 million internationally. An Garda Síochána is committed to tackling the supply of drugs at all levels. We work with joint policing committees both at regional and city level. Community policing forums are based locally in individual Garda districts and sub-districts.

Drug-related intimidation is a serious issue which impacts greatly on our communities and society as a whole, but most particularly on families. Whether a family or loved one has drug debts should not be a deterrent in seeking the help, advice and support of An Garda Síochána. We will take action against drug-related intimidation, as there are several policies and procedures in place to deal with this issue. An Garda Síochána, in partnership with the National Family Support Network, NFSN, has developed a framework, the drug-related intimidation reporting programme, which is now implemented at national level to assist persons who may be subject to the threat of drug-related intimidation. An inspector has been nominated in every Garda division throughout the country to act as a single point of contact. Inspectors are at management level within An Garda Síochána and have significant expertise, knowledge and experience. They liaise directly with their local superintendents on each individual case and will provide specific assistance in whatever way they can. An Garda Síochána continues to create awareness and promote the drug-related intimidation reporting programme in communities nationwide, with the assistance of the NFSN, relevant agencies, regional and local drug and alcohol task forces and community groups.

An Garda Síochána has several policies and procedures in place to deal with the utilising of young persons in the illegal drugs trade. A framework has been developed and is now in place at national level whereby an inspector has been nominated in every Garda division nationwide to ensure there is an appropriate Garda response to target adults involved in the drugs trade who use juveniles to engage in illegal activities associated with the drugs trade.

In line with action No. 38 of the national drugs strategy, a framework Pathways to Support programme has been developed, incorporating a treatment referral option for people who have been arrested by the Garda due to behaviour caused by substance misuse. This is in line with the overall strategic aim of the national drugs strategy to provide appropriate and timely substance treatment and rehabilitation services tailored to individual needs. This is being done with the local and regional drug and alcohol task forces, which, in turn, can refer persons to the appropriate drug and alcohol treatment and support services. This framework is in the advanced stages and it is envisaged that it will be fully implemented by mid-2015.

An Garda Síochána is satisfied that, in addition to the considerable volume of drugs seized in recent years, a significant impact has been made on dealing with the problem.

However, it continues to be an ongoing challenge for An Garda Síochána. We work covertly and overtly and we work in partnership with communities and all the other agencies involved in this area to try to address the particular problem.