Written answers
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Department of Health
Departmental Funding
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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949. To ask the Minister for Health if any funding will be provided for the DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) project, given that it does not appear in the Budget 2026 Factsheet for National Drugs Strategy and Inclusion Health. [62739/25]
Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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956. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the decision not to set aside any dedicated resources under the drugs budget for the Drugs Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62762/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 949 and 956 together.
Drive (Drug related intimidation and violence engagement) is an interagency project set up to develop the systems and structures to respond to drug related intimidation and associated violence with victim support and interagency working being the key components to its success.
The Department of Health has funded and supported the development of the Drive project since 2020. (details below)
Funding allocated to DRIVE Project from Department of Health 2020 - 2026
Year | Funding Allocated to DRIVE Project | Funding Allocated to HSE CHO8 DRIVE Lead North East RDATF |
|---|---|---|
2020 | € 40,000 | - |
2021 | € 60,000 | - |
2022 | € 30,000 | - |
2023 | €200,000 | € 50,000 |
2024 | €200,000 | € 50,000 |
2025 | €280,000 + *200,000 | € 50,000 |
2026 | €280,000 | €50,000 |
TOTAL | €930,000 | €150,000 |
In May 2025, I launched the Drive national awareness campaign, together with the Minister for Justice. The aim of the campaign was to reduce the stigma associated with Drug Related Intimidation and Violence and to promote the range of services and supports available throughout the country for those impacted. Awareness of support available for drug-related intimidation and violence has risen to 29%, which represents a 10% increase overall, suggesting the campaign has had an impact at national level.
I believe that Drive embodies the holistic, health-led approach to drug use based on inter-agency collaboration. By working collaboratively, Drive can make a practical difference for people and families affected by drug-related intimidation drugs in communities.
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