Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I stated previously that I want to thank Senator McCarthy for bringing this matter forward. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. DRIVE embodies the holistic, health-led approach to drug use, based on interagency collaboration. By working collaboratively, DRIVE can make a practical difference to people and families affected by drug-related intimidation and drugs in communities. The Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy will shortly receive a draft of the successor national drugs strategy. It is expected that strengthening responses to drug-related intimidation, such as DRIVE, will be an important component of the strategy. The Minister will continue to work with the DRIVE oversight committee to support the national roll-out of the DRIVE project. I acknowledge the leadership role played by the drugs task force in developing the DRIVE project. There are two aspects. I will bring the ask for additional funding back to the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and officials. I also suggest, in the context of community safety partnerships, that the Senator take the matter up directly with the Department of justice. It is a collaborative, interagency approach, and it is hugely important and affects too many people in their daily lives.