Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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812. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he or his Department have plans to address the huge issues being caused by illegal drug trade (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47709/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling the scourge of drug dealing and targeting the work of 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 is fully committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.

The Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, guided by the whole of Government national drugs and alcohol strategy. While this strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs.

An Garda Síochána continue to implement the enhanced national anti-drugs strategy through Operation Tara, the focus of which is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.

As part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and distribution of controlled drugs and drug trafficking networks, Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit seized cocaine with an estimated street value of €161,000 and arrested a man on 1 September 2025.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) seized approximately €1.1 million of controlled drugs and arrested two men following an operation conducted on 22 August 2025 in Dublin 24.

Sustained action by An Garda Síochána continues unabated, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.

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 a national scale across Ireland, ensuring consistent and comprehensive support in all regions.

The Garda Commissioner has tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug-related intimidation. This programme has been developed to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. Information in relation to the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of the nominated Inspectors countrywide is available on the Garda website.