2179. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the further measures planned to support families experiencing drug-related intimidation; and whether additional resources will be provided to expand community-based interventions. [55330/26]

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: There are a number of actions being taken to support families experiencing drug related 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 continues to maintain the Drugs Related Intimidation Reporting Programme by assigning nominated Inspectors in each Division throughout the country to assist those who are victims of intimidation.

An Garda Síochána in dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation or advice sought in relation to this issue, will do so by the safest and most effective means in order to afford the person or family subject to the threat of the best level of security, advice and support which can be offered.

In 2025, alongside my colleague Minister Murnane O’Connor, I launched the DRIVE (Drug related intimidation & violence engagement) project. DRIVE is an interagency project which outlines systems and structures to respond to drug-related intimidation and associated violence. 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.

There are over 400 publicly funded drug services, including family support services, across the country which can advise and support people affected by Drug Related Intimidation. Family support services are critical because drug-related violence nearly always becomes an issue for the whole family. There is a comprehensive national network of family support services to which people can turn.