Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he will be taking to address the significant drug-related activity that has escalated in Drogheda and its surrounding area; the actions he will take to address the lack of drug outreach workers in the town in view of the recent drug-related criminality; if he will apply for emergency funding to fund a report (details supplied) to assess and plan appropriately to manage the drugs crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21244/19]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I visited Dundalk and the North East recently to hear about drug related issues in the area and the impact they have on families.

I am aware that key state agencies, led by the local authority and involving the Gardaí, HSE, Probation Services, Tusla, Education and Training Boards, and the North East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force are working together on ways to address this important issue.

I understand from the HSE that it has appointed a Senior Counsellor with the priority of developing and supporting counselling services in Drogheda. The Executive is committed to recruiting an additional Outreach worker in Drogheda to enhance its existing service.

In March 2019, I announced additional funding of €1 million for the implementation of Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery. I will shortly be notifying all Task Forces regarding the allocation of this additional funding including information on the guiding principles and the application process. The North East Task Force will be able to apply for additional funding under this initiative.

I would point out that the introduction of measures to address Drug Related Activity in the Drogheda area primarily come within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality in the first instance.

I understand that 25 additional Garda members are to be appointed to Drogheda over the coming weeks and that every effort is being be made to disrupt the activities of criminal groups involved and to arrest and prosecute offenders.

Drug-related intimidation is an area of concern which I believe requires special attention. It presents a real threat to public safety in communities and I am aware that it is a significant issue in the North East region.

The National Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme which was developed by the National Family Support Network and An Garda Síochána, provides a framework to allow reporting of an incident of intimidation to a nominated inspector.

Last week the North East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force held a first in a series of workshops on the drug related intimidation support process in Drogheda. This workshop was run with the support of An Garda Síochána, the National Family support Network and TUSLA.

Officials in the Department of Health will shortly be meeting with An Garda Síochána and the National Family support Network to see how this programme can be supported and better resourced.