Ms Grace Hill:

We recently brought a proposal to the joint policing committee about practical supports for families who have experienced intimidation because of drug debt. We asked the committee to assist in that regard. Families could need help because a brick was put through a window in their house. There are also death threats sometimes. The lack of practical supports is another resource issue. Families need to have fire blankets on site in case things happen and they need them in the evening time. Ringing doorbells and CCTV are also helpful. There is a human element to the issue. The inspector in this area is great and meets, in plain clothes, with family members to talk about their lives.

Generally, people are paying. We previously had a very good inspector, Ray Blake, who used to talk to parents. He said that while they probably will not act on the threats, that is neither here nor there; parents will pay because of the fear which is palpable in the community.

Earlier I spoke about the constant drug dealing in many shopping centres in Tallaght. I get calls in the evening and I get straight on to the drugs unit about it. Not only is it impacting families affected by drug use, but it is also impacting the wider community because people are so anxious about what is happening in front of their door. They are sending kids to the shops and it is happening all the time. I was recently contacted by someone from St. Mark's GAA Club who was really concerned about the amount of drug-related litter. Obviously, we talked to the local authority about that. It is getting into people. It is building up their anxiety levels and affecting their mental health. That is why people use drugs.