Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In Mr Twomey's submission he stated that drug-related intimidation is a very serious issue, which we totally accept. He said he had a number of policies and responses and in particular areas would have a senior Garda who would be the link-up person in the community. I know about this from personal experience in my area. People seeking the Garda's assistance can make contact and arrange to meet gardaí formally and informally. After this happens, it seems to break down, in line with what Ms Metcalfe said earlier. People may go to the local Garda inspector privately and report that a gang or group is intimidating people who live on a particular street, and it can affect an entire street sometimes. However, there is no way they will go public because of the points Ms Metcalfe and Dr. Connolly made. Does Mr. Twomey have any ideas on how one can deal with such intimidation from a policing point of view? I am talking about threats that a person will be shot or burnt out, examples of which I have seen happen over the past 20 years. Once a family has met the senior liaison officer, the next move is the crucial one, and we all seem to be stuck there.