Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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438. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will advise a family who are being intimidated by a teenage gang in the Dublin 13 area in securing their person and home safely. [33540/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The issues raised by the Deputy are ones which are appropriately dealt with by An Garda Síochána. In this regard I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to deploy personnel to establish a highly visible and accessible service to communities to tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

In the absence of specific details as to the nature of the intimidation referred to, it is not possible to provide a specific response from the Garda authorities on this matter. However, if a person feels that a crime has been committed they should contact their local Garda station. All crimes that are reported to Gardaí are fully and thoroughly investigated and offenders brought to justice wherever possible. As well as contacting the Gardaí directly, information can be provided to An Garda Síochána by way of the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, which is a monitored freephone line that allows members of the public to contact An Garda Síochána with information of a confidential nature.

Insofar as the use of intimidation in local communities as a result of drug-related debt is concerned, under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 a framework for tackling this problem has been put in place by An Garda Síochána. Under this framework a ‘Drug-Related Intimidation Programme’ has been established by the Garda National Drugs Unit in conjunction with the community based National Family Support Network (FSN) with the support of the HSE Social Inclusion Unit. The purpose of this programme is to respond to the needs of drug users, their family members and/or friends who experience drug-related intimidation to repay drug debts.

Under the programme, nominated Garda Inspectors have been selected by the Garda Commissioner across the country to deal to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors act as a point of contact for any individuals (or for representatives of the FSN acting on individuals' behalf) in responding to any issues of drug related intimidation being experienced.