Government backs motion on drug-related intimidation

The Government has backed a Sinn Féin motion calling for a stronger State response to drug-related intimidation, with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan saying there must be a united effort to tackle criminal gangs terrorising families and communities.

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy told the Dáil that drug dealers and organised criminal gangs were “terrorising families, exploiting vulnerable young people and holding entire communities to ransom through intimidation, threats, extortion and violence”.

His motion called for a major crackdown on drug gangs, increased Garda resources, stronger supports for victims and families, and greater investment in communities affected by drug-related crime. It also called for a comprehensive community-led response involving Gardaí, addiction services, youth organisations, local authorities, schools and community representatives.

Deputy Carthy said the issue had been brought into sharp focus by the deaths of Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum and Jayden in Waterford. He described the tragedy as “horrific” and said elected representatives had a duty not only to say such an event must never happen again, but “to work to that end”.

Supporting the motion, Minister O’Callaghan thanked Sinn Féin for bringing it forward and said the Government wanted to send a clear message that the State was united against drug-related intimidation and violence.

“It is extremely important there is a united response from Dáil Éireann to the public at large stating that we are united in terms of our ambition, commitment and dedication to ensure that we combat drug-related intimidation and violence,” he said.

The Minister said there was “no place for such intimidation in this country” and warned that anyone attempting to terrorise families for financial gain would be pursued by An Garda Síochána.

Mr O’Callaghan also urged victims of drug-related intimidation to report their experiences to Gardaí, acknowledging that doing so could be extremely difficult for families living in fear.

“The only way to combat this scourge of drug-related intimidation is if An Garda Síochána combats it,” he said. “I will resource An Garda Síochána to ensure it is able to meet this threat.”He pointed to the Garda’s Operation Tara, the national anti-drugs strategy, as well as the work of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Operation Fógra, which takes a victim-centred approach to drug-related intimidation.

Deputy Carthy argued that policing must be matched by long-term investment in disadvantaged communities, saying there needed to be a “two-track approach” combining prevention and investment with “an immediate and determined crackdown” on criminal gangs.