Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

317. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any progress made on the DRIVE project to build the capacity of communities to respond more effectively to drug-related intimidation and violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51618/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

One of the strategic priorities under the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 is to address the social determinants of and consequences of drug use in disadvantaged communities.  This priority recognises the additional challenges arising from drug use in communities. It will tackle the criminality and anti-social behaviour associated with the drugs trade that impose a heavy burden on communities. These issues require action across government to promote community development and community safety

Drug related intimidation and violence is a serious and insidious problem that affects individuals, families, and communities, throughout the country. It is not acceptable that the lives of families and communities are blighted by the violence and intimidation associated with criminal groups. Addressing drug-related intimidation and violence is a central concern in strengthening resilience in communities, supporting participation of individuals families and communities, and developing evidence informed policies. 

The Drive (Drug-related intimidation and violence engagement) initiative is a data driven interagency response to tackle drug related intimidation and violence in communities most impacted. It is led by the drug and alcohol task forces, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the HSE, family support services and civil society organisations. The initiative is funded by the Department of Health for a three-year period. 

I launched the report on the initiative in November 2021. This is available at DRIVE: Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement. An interagency response in Ireland - Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland - Drugs.ie. The report outlines the Drive model accompanied by a detailed implementation plan. As it develops, Drive will provide a toolkit for communities to enhance their capacity to address drug related intimidation. This model will complement the work of the Department of Justice on community policing and safety matters. It also builds the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme developed by An Garda Siochana and family support services to support affected families.

An information session on the Drive initiative was held on 17th October. Further information on the initiative can be got by emailing drive@ndublinrdtf.ie . 

To support the rollout of the Drive initiative, I have allocated funding of €250,000 in Budget 2023. This funding will support its work programme including the development of a suite of training and capacity building resources, a national Drive liaison network, a shared learning network and referral pathways to support for victims, awareness raising, community initiatives and targeted interagency programmes, and a national data collection system.