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

The Minister of State understands that 25 additional Garda members are to be appointed to Drogheda over the coming weeks and is sure that every effort is being made to disrupt the activities of criminal groups involved and to arrest and prosecute offenders.

Drug-related intimidation is an area of concern that the Minister of State believes requires special attention. It presents a real threat to public safety in communities and the Minister of State is aware that it is a significant issue in the north-east region.

The national drug-related intimidation reporting programme, which was developed by the national Family Support Network and An Garda Síochána, provides a framework to allow reporting of an incident of intimidation to a nominated inspector. Last week the north-east regional drug and alcohol task force held the first in a series of workshops on the drug-related intimidation support process in Drogheda. This workshop was run with the support of An Garda Síochána, the Family Support Network and TUSLA. Officials in the Department of Health will shortly meet with An Garda Síochána and the Family Support Network to see how this programme can be supported and better resourced.

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