Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he has demonstrated a reluctance to take responsibility for tackling drug related intimidation in the context of the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement detailing the relevant steps and initiatives he will undertake including the way these will be developed and undertaken in partnership with the community and voluntary sector and local and regional drugs task forces and so on. [21502/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the steering committee appointed by the then Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Deputy Pat Carey, to develop proposals and make recommendations for a new National Drugs Strategy covering the period 2009-2016, has yet to report to the current Minister of State with this portfolio, Deputy John Curran.

My Department is playing a full role in relation to the work of the steering committee. It is expected that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will bring forward the new strategy to Cabinet for a Government decision over the summer months. I would like to assure the Deputy that both my Department and An Garda Síochána view all forms of intimidation as extremely serious crimes. We are fully aware of public concerns in relation to this issue and all of the drug-related aspects of crime. An Garda Síochána continues to prioritise the tackling of serious organised crime in all its facets in its Annual Policing Plans supported by the provision of extensive resources, both financial and legislative.