Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inspectors appointed under the drug-related intimidation reporting programme to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation; the status of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44402/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

As the Deputy will be aware, all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences, crime or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to proactively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction.

An Garda Síochána, in partnership with the National Family Support Network (NFSN), have developed a framework, ‘the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme’, which is now been implemented on a national level since 2013, to assist persons who may be subject to the threat of drug related intimidation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 28 Inspectors nominated in this regard. They liaise directly with the local Superintendent in relation to each individual case, as required. I am further informed that there are 6 such inspectors in the Dublin Metropolitan Region; 7 in the North-Western Region; 8 in the Eastern Region; and 7 in the Southern Region.