Home > Dáil Éireann debate. Question 788 – Drug dealing [social media] [2283/25].

[Oireachtas] Dáil Éireann debate. Question 788 – Drug dealing [social media] [2283/25]. (05 Feb 2025)

External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2025...


788. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if he will report on the Programme for Government and the commitment to explore the possibility of requiring social media companies and online communication platforms to provide An Garda Síochána with information they have on their platforms relating to the supply of illegal drugs; the measures that will be taken to explore same; the timeline for a conclusion to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2283/25]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice: The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and is deeply aware of the impact that serious crime, including drug related crime, can have on communities.

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. The Government is also committed to limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible

I am fully committed to helping to significantly reduce the harms of illicit drug use by tackling organised crime, minimising the harms caused to those with addiction issues, and diverting people from involvement in crime and illicit drug related activity.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the priorities in the Programme for Government have been agreed by the new Government and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme.

Work to progress these commitments has commenced, however, the Deputy will appreciate that timelines or operational details on policy proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.

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