178. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of drug-related intimidation and violence engagement leads per local drug and alcohol taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38006/25]

Colm Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Health: DRIVE (Drug related intimidation and violence engagement) is a data-driven intervention model to respond effectively to drug-related intimidation and violence in communities in Ireland. It 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. More information can be found at www.driveproject.ie. I am informed by the Drive project that the following leads and liaison are in place to date. DRIVE Leads are in place in the following:

County Cork & Kerry – Southern RDATF - Cork LDATF, Ballymun LDATF

Dublin North Inner City LDATF, Bray Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force

Louth, Meath, Cavan & Monaghan – Northeast RDATF.

DRIVE Liaisons are in place in the following:

Northwest RDATF, Midlands RDATF, South East RDATF, South West RDATF, Western RDATF

North Dublin RDATF. Tallaght LDATF, South Inner City LDATF, Dublin 12 LDATF, Clondalkin LDATF, Dunlaoghaire LDATF, Blanchardstown LDATF, Dublin North East LDATF, Finglas LDATF, Canal Communities LDAFT.

Addressing the problem of Drug Related Intimidation and Violence through DRIVE is a key action under the National Drugs Strategy and is supported by the Department of Health. I launched the national Drug Related Intimidation Awareness campaign on Thursday 8th May with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’ Callaghan TD. I want people to understand that they are not alone, and that there is support available for those who are affected by drug-related violence.