743. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he believes it is necessary to introduce new legislation making it a specific criminal offence to engage in drug debt related intimidation. [74261/26]

744. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is taking in collaboration with An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau to target the financial assets of criminal gangs engaged in the illegal drug trade. [74260/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: I propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.

The Government has placed a strong focus on disrupting those engaged in organised crime, drug trafficking and drug-related intimidation while also ensuring victims and affected families can access practical supports and protections.

As part of this focus, I can assure the Deputy that relevant legislation is kept under review.

My Department addresses drug-related intimidation as part of its broader work to combat organised crime and enhance community safety. Working closely with partners across Government, An Garda Síochána, health services, community organisations and the wider criminal justice system, the Department is progressing a range of policy, operational and legislative measures designed to disrupt criminal networks, protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen community resilience.

Through the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, designated Garda Inspectors are available in every Garda Division to engage with individuals and families who are experiencing intimidation. This programme ensures that those affected can access appropriate supports while maintaining the confidentiality, dignity and safety of those seeking assistance. Encouraging reporting remains a key priority, as timely intervention can be critical in protecting individuals and preventing further harm.

An Garda Síochána also continues to target the organised crime groups responsible through initiatives such as Operation Tara and Operation Fógra. Under Operation Tara, An Garda Síochána are disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting those involved in drug trafficking and organised crime. Intelligence-led operations, coordinated investigations and targeted enforcement activity, undertaken by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, together with regional Garda units and the Criminal Assets Bureau have led to criminal networks being deprived of drugs, cash, assets and the profits that sustain their activities. In addition, Operation Fógra combines a victim-centred harm reduction approach with targeted enforcement activity. Through this work, An Garda Síochána seeks both to support those affected and to disrupt the criminal networks responsible.

The DRIVE (Drug related intimidation & violence engagement) project is just one element of the Government’s approach to tackling drug related intimidation. 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. It operates on a national scale across Ireland, ensuring consistent and comprehensive support in all regions.

These measures reflect the comprehensive approach taken by Government, which is combining strong actions against organised crime with practical supports for affected individuals, families and communities.