740. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of full-time Gardaí with drug-related intimidation training, by district in Cork. [4102/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: Tackling the scourge of drug dealing and targeting organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities across Ireland, is a major priority for government. I can assure the Deputy that tackling drug intimidation is a major priority for An Garda Síochána.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that all Divisions in the Southern Region (including Cork City & Cork County) have nominated Liaison personnel of Inspector rank, who have responsibility to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. This includes one Inspector for Cork City and three for Cork County.

The Deputy may also be interested to note that the drug related intimidation & violence engagement (DRIVE) project, launched last year, brings 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.

Furthermore An Garda Síochána continue to target, disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking networks that impact on our communities and prosecute those involved at every level.