Graves hosts Dáil roundtable discussion on tackling drug-related intimidation

Sinn Féin’s Ann Graves TD held a roundtable discussion in Leinster House on how to tackle drug-related intimidation in local communities.

Deputy Graves, Sinn Féin spokesperson on National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, said:

“Drug-related intimidation is holding too many communities to ransom.

“It is important we are not bullied into silence. That is why I organised the first ever roundtable discussion in Leinster House on drug related intimidation. We must talk about intimidation. We must work together to find solutions to the causes and consequences of drug related intimidation.

“It was important to hear at first hand from residents, academics, youth services and community-based drug services. These are the people who are at the frontline. The stories I heard were both heartbreaking and harrowing.

“It is essential that communities most effected are at the centre to any solution. The Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement programme is an important first step. But if the government is serious about supporting communities, then this programme must be fully funded at local level. Every drug task force area must receive the resources it requires to establish a fully functioning drug related intimidation inter agency group. It cannot simply depend on good will and volunteers.

“I gave a commitment that Sinn Féin will continue to actively support this important work and will raise it directly with the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan. I will be demanding that those communities suffering from intimidation receive the support, funding and resources necessary to tackle this problem head on.”