1325. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reported instances of intimidating drug debt collection reported in each county in the State last year. [42014/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The Government is fully committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight organised crime and the illegal drugs trade. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.74 billion in Budget 2026.

Drug Related Intimidation is a high priority for An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána continues to maintain the Drugs Related Intimidation Reporting Programme - Garda (DRIRP) by assigning nominated Inspectors throughout the country to assist those who are victims of intimidation.

An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing to build and maintain relationships with communities, agencies and groups in the fight against drug related intimidation and violence within all communities.  An Garda Síochána recognises the important roles many different agencies and groups play in tackling the cause and symptoms of drug-related intimidation and violence. An Garda Síochána also continue to show this commitment by working with the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces nationwide who make up the DRIVE network.

The anonymity afforded to victims through the service provided by An Garda Síochána by way of the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme is one of the key ways in which people are encouraged to report. As such, I am informed by the Garda authorities that data collected by An Garda Síochána, including relating to the number of reports for Drug Related Intimidation received, must be considered confidential.