Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 40: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the report published by the family support network entitled Intimidation of Families; if the recommendations of this report will be reflected in the new national drugs strategy; and if responsibility for supporting families will be clearly assigned and the requisite resources made available. [23865/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 71: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the new national drugs strategy will deal comprehensively with the issue of drug related intimidation; the Department it is envisaged that will lead on this matter; and the form consultation around the approach to this issue has and will take. [23866/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions 40 and 71 together.

I am very much aware of the issue of drug-related intimidation and I accept that we must re-double our efforts to deal effectively with this problem.

The issue of intimidation was consistently raised during the consultation process undertaken in regard to the development of proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy. The increased levels of intimidation are, in part, thought to be due to higher levels of drug-related debts, which are particularly associated with the rise in cocaine use.

The Gardaí, who have responded very successfully to many aspects of the criminal activity associated with the supply of illegal drugs, continue to face significant difficulties in dealing with the issue of intimidation. This varies from low level incidents to the most serious crimes, often involving gangs who are involved in the drugs market. While such activities are often drug-related, they are not exclusively so, and the development of appropriate responses goes beyond the remit of the Drugs Strategy. In this regard, the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform intends to shortly bring forward proposals for new legislation through the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 and, when enacted, this will significantly strengthen the measures available to the Gardaí in this area.

The Steering Group that developed the proposals for the new Drugs Strategy was very aware of the consequences of intimidation for the individuals, families and communities affected. However, there is no easy remedy to the problem. However, it is important to point out that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform - the Department with lead responsibility in this area - and An Garda Síochána, both of whom were represented on the Steering Group, are fully committed to tackling intimidation, whether in the context of the drugs market or more generally.

The report of the Family Support Network on the intimidation of families was considered by the Steering Group. The new Drugs Strategy will aim to develop a framework to provide an appropriate response to the issue of drug-related intimidation in communities. The Gardaí will be taking the lead role in this regard and the Family Support Network will also be involved.

The new Strategy envisages drug-related intimidation being raised on a regular basis at meetings of Joint Policing Committees and Local Policing Fora, so that these matters can be brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána, and appropriate and sustainable local responses pursued.