Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy launches DRIVE national awareness campaign to support people impacted by drug-related intimidation and violence
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 8 May 2025
- Last updated on: 8 May 2025
- Minister for Justice also backing campaign highlighting help available for those experiencing drug-related intimidation and violence
- DRIVE is an interagency project responding to drug-related intimidation and associated violence
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, together with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, has today launched a new national campaign to raise awareness of supports for those impacted by drug-related intimidation and violence through the DRIVE (Drug-related intimidation and violence engagement) project.
DRIVE is an interagency project which outlines systems and structures to respond to drug-related intimidation and associated violence. This campaign was developed by the National DRIVE Oversight Committee to encourage those affected to seek help. The aim is to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related intimidation and to promote the range of confidential services and supports available to those impacted, including individuals, families and communities.
There are over 400 publicly funded drug services, including family support services, across the country which can advise, and support people affected by DRI. Family support services are critical because drug-related violence nearly always becomes an issue for the whole family. There are a comprehensive national network of family supports services to which people can turn. The Driveproject.ie website provides more information for people.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
"Drug-related intimidation and violence is a serious and complex problem, affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life. I’m conscious that it can be an extremely frightening, isolating and stigmatising experience, so it is crucial that people know that help is available.
"The DRIVE national awareness campaign aims to encourage people to take that first step and ask for assistance, by connecting with driveproject.ie so that they can engage with a range of supports to include community-based drug and alcohol services, family support services and An Garda Síochána through the drug-related intimidation reporting programme.
"This initiative embodies our holistic, health-led approach to drug use, and it reinforces the importance of inter-agency collaboration. By working together, we can really make a practical difference to people affected by drug-related intimidation and in doing so we can reduce the devastating grip of drugs in our communities."
The National DRIVE Oversight Committee was established in 2020, and the DRIVE Framework was developed and published in November 2021, fulfilling a priority in the national drugs strategy to address the challenges arising from drug use in communities nationwide.
Minister O'Callaghan said:
"As Minister, I am committed to tackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation and violence on families and communities. My priority of getting more gardaí onto the streets is key to this, but this must be complemented by additional measures that address the wider impact of drug use on society. The DRIVE Project is a significant step in this direction.
"Drug-related intimidation inflicts profound harm on people, families, and communities nationwide. It can be a terrifying and isolating experience for the victims, and so it’s vital that non-judgemental, confidential supports are available to those who need them, in addition to the work of An Garda Síochána.
"Together, we are sending a clear message that drug-related intimidation and violence have no place in our society, and that support is available for those affected."
National DRIVE Oversight Committee Chairperson Antoinette Kinsella, said:
"We are aware that drug-related intimidation manifests itself in various ways with very negative impacts on individuals, families and communities. With the roll out of this national campaign I hope that those impacted by this devastating issue will be encouraged to reach out for help and support.
"By accessing the driveproject.ie website, those impacted can make contact with the Task Force Co-ordinator for their particular area where they will then advise of the range of services and support available in their local area. Important to note that supports will be provided in a non-judgemental and confidential manner with opportunities to access a range of services."
The DRIVE project is funded by the Department of Health and supported by Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force Networks, Health Service Executive National Addiction Advisory Governance Group, An Garda Síochána, Probation Service, Department of Justice, Health Research Board, the National Voluntary Drug & Alcohol Sector and the DRIVE Project team.
Notes
The DRIVE national awareness campaign will feature on national, regional and digital radio, video on demand, print and social media from Thursday 8 May.
Implementation of the DRIVE framework is managed and co-ordinated by a National DRIVE Oversight Committee (DOC). Its membership includes:
- Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
- Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
- Department of Justice
- Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau
- Probation Service
- HSE National Addiction Advisory Governance Group
- Health Research Board
- National Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Sector
- Probation Service