Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the further steps that can be taken to protect families and communities from intimidation by drug dealers. [23096/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Drug related intimidation within communities, which are often our most vulnerable communities, is a serious issue that must be addressed by our criminal justice system. Community Policing initiatives and building trust with communities are integral to successfully tackling this issue. An Garda Síochána 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 that they serve. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for all agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.

The Deputy may be aware that An Garda Síochána and the National Family Support Network (NFSN) developed "the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme" to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. One of the actions being taken forward in 2018 under "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - A health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017 - 2025", relates to strengthening the effectiveness of the Reporting Programme. An Garda Síochána and the NFSN will each carry out their own evaluation of the Reporting Programme with a view to informing its further development.

There is growing evidence, both internationally and in Ireland, that partnership approaches involving local communities, state agencies and other stakeholders offer the mosteffective method of responding to many drug problems, including illicit drug markets. Any proposals for more innovative approaches to the problem, whether adopted from international experience or building on the current approach under Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, and which offer further value in tackling the problem as it occurs in this jurisdiction will be given due consideration.

Under the Reporting Programme, a Garda Inspector has been selected in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors are at management level within An Garda Síochána and liaise directly with their local Superintendent in relation to each individual case. Persons seeking the assistance of the Inspector in their area may contact them to arrange to meet either formally or informally. It is also possible for a person to ask a local family support worker or drugs worker to contact the Garda Inspector for their area or to ask the National Family Support Network to contact the relevant Inspector. The contact details for the nominated Garda Inspectors are available on the Garda website.

An Garda Síochána is currently delivering seminars and briefings to local Garda management on the Reporting Programme and gathering feedback as to its performance.

In dealing with any reports of drug related intimidation, or advice sought in relation to this issue, I am informed that An Garda Síochána do so with the utmost regard to the safety of the person making a report and the most effective means available to afford persons subject to a threat, the best level of security, advice and support that can be offered. Most importantly, all reports are handled with the utmost regard to confidentiality.

At the heart of the concerns expressed by the Deputy, is the relationship between communities and their local Gardaí. It is worth recalling that the Programme for a Partnership Government underlines the importance of community policing in responding to the concerns and expectations of both urban and rural communities. I would like to re-affirm that the Government remains committed to supporting An Garda Síochána to make communities safer. The Government has allocated very significant resources to policing in recent years, and this will continue, in particular through the accelerated programme of Garda recruitment. This undoubtedly will enhance policing services for all communities across the country.

An Garda Síochána is involved in a variety of activities, including 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. I would also like to emphasise in particular, that where communities experience intimidation, Joint Policing Committees have a very important role in facilitating consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives. Active engagement by elected members is very important.