619. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will bring forward robust legislation to combat the phenomenon known as cuckooing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33693/25] 

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: An Garda Síochána has access to a range of legislative powers to address the practice known as “cuckooing”. These include, but are not limited to, coercion under section 9 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, harassment under section 10 of the same Act, and offences under section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended. 

An Garda Síochána continues to target those involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Ireland through operational initiatives such as Operation Tara, a nationwide operation aimed at disrupting all forms of illegal drug activity, and Operation Fógra, which operates in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to address the serious issue of drug-related intimidation (DRI). 

Drug-related intimidation is a high priority for An Garda Síochána. The organisation maintains the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme (DRIRP), which assigns nominated inspectors throughout the country to assist individuals who are victims of intimidation. 

On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, and I launched a new national campaign to raise awareness of supports for those impacted by drug-related intimidation and violence through the DRIVE (Drug-related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) project. Further information is available on the Department of Health website at gov.ie. 

DRIVE is an interagency initiative that outlines systems and structures to respond to drug-related intimidation and associated violence. Developed by the National DRIVE Oversight Committee, the campaign encourages individuals, families and communities affected by such intimidation to seek help. It aims to reduce stigma and promote the range of confidential services and supports available. 

One of the key resources available to those impacted by DRI is the DRIRP. Through this programme, individuals can report incidents confidentially and receive targeted support and practical safety information from specially trained Garda inspectors. These inspectors assist individuals in assessing and managing potential risks and provide advice and support.

 Each Garda division designates at least one nominated DRI inspector who serves as a point of contact for those experiencing intimidation. These inspectors offer a safe and accessible avenue for individuals to seek help and advice. They also provide the option of an informal, confidential meeting where individuals can discuss their situation and receive guidance without any obligation to file a formal complaint. If the individual later decides to make a formal report, the inspector can assist with this process. The decision to proceed remains entirely with the individual. 

The DRIVE project is funded by the Department of Health and supported by the Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force Networks, the Health Service Executive National Addiction Advisory Governance Group, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the Department of Justice, the Health Research Board, the National Voluntary Drug & Alcohol Sector, and the DRIVE Project team. 

There are over 400 publicly funded drug services across the country, including a comprehensive national network of family support services. These services are critical, as drug-related violence often affects entire families. Information about the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of nominated inspectors is available on the websites of An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) and the DRIVE project (driveproject.ie).