Ms Anna Quigley:

Many of the family support groups and networks are doing brilliant work on intimidation reporting in partnership with the Garda. That gives great support to families. We have learned that it is not just the simple idea of bad people doing these things. It is disgraceful that young people growing up in our communities see getting involved in the drugs trade as probably the best economic option open to them. They have the chance of making what for a young person is a lot of money in a short space of time by holding something or carrying something. They may even get drugs for themselves and their friends on tick. Given the process by which young people are getting drawn into this, we need to be wary of simplistic ideas to solve it. It cannot all be dealt with through policing. It is not all about there being bad and good people out there. The reality is that in some communities the most attractive economic option for young people is the drugs trade. That is shocking and needs to be taken on board. In the short term, people immediately need support with the terrible situation they are facing. However, if we do not look at the long-term stuff, the problem will continue.