Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In condemning the disgraceful criminal behaviour in Longford I condemn the serious incidents of intimidation which are drug related which impact on all communities but especially families. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the National Family Support Network has concluded a number of evaluations of the drug related intimidation reporting programme and agreed to a number of actions. The Government has made unprecedented resources available to An Garda Síochána to assist it to carry out its vital functions. There is a specific operation in Longford and the surrounding region, Operation Stola, which has been put in place by local Garda management to address the ongoing inter-family feuds as a result of criminal behaviour being engaged in by a small number of people in the Longford and Granard districts. I am keen to ensure the reputation of a fine provincial town, Longford, will not be damaged. I am pleased to note that there have been a number of arrests and that files have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. I am confident that the small number of people who continue to break the law in Longford will be brought to justice.

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