2118. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there are any plans to address the huge issues being caused by the illegal drug trade, the organised crime and chaos which ensue and require adequate supports and services and policing tools, which aren’t always available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43482/25]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: 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 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 attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) with assistance from the Clondalkin Drugs Unit seized approximately €2.2m of controlled drugs as well as a quantity of cash and a number of items on 11 July, in Laois and Dublin.

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

In May, alongside 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.