Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1696. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the supports available to families who discover that a loved one is in debt to a criminal organisation, including advice, protection and assistance in engaging with law enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47114/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1697. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the confidential reporting mechanisms and debt intimidation support programmes currently in place for individuals and families affected by criminal gang debt, and the extent of inter-agency cooperation to address such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47115/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1698. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will detail any recent or planned An Garda Síochána or community-based campaigns aimed at preventing criminal gang debt and raising awareness of the supports available to those targeted by such intimidation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47116/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1696, 1697 and 1698 together.

Tackling the scourge of drug dealing and targeting organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities across Ireland is a top priority for the Government and my Department.

The Government’s approach to the misuse of drugs is set out in Ireland’s National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’. This is a health-led approach to drug and alcohol use in Ireland, and it represents a whole-of-Government response to reduce demand and associated harms.

In May, alongside the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, I launched the DRIVE (Drug related intimidation & violence engagement) project. DRIVE’s primary goal is to establish effective systems and structures for a unified, timely, and sensitive response to drug-related intimidation. It focuses on responding to incidents, supporting those affected, and preventing future occurrences.

DRIVE promotes interagency collaboration by bringing together law enforcement, health services, social services, and community organisations to tackle Drug Related Intimidation from multiple perspectives. It operates on at a national level across Ireland, ensuring consistent and comprehensive support in all regions. A DRIVE lead or liaison is present in each Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force area, acting as a local focal point, guiding individuals and services through safe, confidential reporting pathways and coordinating with An Garda Síochána. Further information is available at the following link: .

The Garda Commissioner has also tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug-related intimidation. The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme has been developed to respond to the needs of those experiencing drug related intimidation, along with their families. Information in relation to the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of the nominated Inspectors across the country is available on the Garda website. Further information can be accessed at: www.garda.ie/en/crime/drugs/the-drugs-related-intimidation-reporting-programme.html.