Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will refer briefly to the national drugs strategy. I acknowledge the work that Senator Ned O'Sullivan has done over a number of years, quietly and without the glare of publicity, on the issue of national drugs policy and the scourge that drugs present in society. Recent intelligence-led operations have resulted in significant drug seizures by the Garda, including in the Ballyfermot and Park West area last Friday where the Garda made a seizure of approximately €3.5 million worth of drugs and a number of arrests were made. Another recent successful operation resulted in a seizure of heroin with an estimated value of €1 million in Dublin and Meath on Sunday, 1 September. This seizure was part of a joint operation involving members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the UK National Crime Agency.

Unfortunately, drug related intimidation within what are often our most vulnerable communities exists and is a serious issue that must be addressed by our criminal justice system. Community policing initiatives and building trust with communities are integral to tackling this issue successfully. The Garda remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for all of the agencies involved. Ireland's national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery: A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025, is unique among national drugs strategies across EU member states and recognises the need to address drug related debt intimidation at community level.

The Garda is involved in a variety of activities at local level, including the local and regional drug and alcohol task forces; Garda youth diversion projects, which support the operation of the statutory diversion programme; the Garda schools programme; and proactive operations designed to address drug supply in communities.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan made particular reference to rural crime. I agree with him. I acknowledge the recent launch at the National Ploughing Championships of the national rural safety forum. Through it, we can see the hallmark of policing activity in a community-engaged, collaborative approach with such bodies as the GAA, Macra na Feirme, Muintir na Tíre, the IFA and rural bodies, which have come together to form a task force to promote rural safety, particularly as we head into the winter months. Where communities experience intimidation, joint policing committees have an important role in facilitating consultation, co-operation and synergy on policing and crime issues. Senator Gallagher spoke of a downgrade of Garda activity in County Monaghan, but I assure him and other Senators that the Garda Commissioner or a senior member of his team will attend the local joint policing committee at the earliest opportunity between now and Christmas to explain fully the new innovative strategy. Active engagement and leadership by elected members on joint policing committees is important.