Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 70
70
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 248
Paramilitary drug crime and political stalemate hinder Northern Ireland's drug response.
Conclusion
We are deeply concerned by the role paramilitary groups play in organised drug crime in Northern Ireland, and the impact that this has on local communities, children and young people. We are also deeply concerned by the effect the current political stalemate is having in Northern Ireland and the extent to which it restricts Northern Ireland’s response to drugs, among many other issues. However, we welcome the continued efforts of public services and stakeholders to respond to drugs, particularly efforts that adopt a multi-agency response.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns about paramilitary groups and the political stalemate in Northern Ireland, outlining ongoing financial commitments to anti-paramilitarism efforts. It also clarifies devolved responsibilities for drug policy and commits to strengthening UK-wide collaboration, with a ministerial meeting planned.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
248
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
In the absence of an operational Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, the Government must further support officials and communities in Northern Ireland to respond to drugs. This must include support to develop and sustain early intervention and prevention initiatives under the Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme, which seeks to draw young people away from paramilitary groups. It must also include the extension of the harm reduction policies outlined in this report.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗