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REPPP Research Fellow Dr Johnny Connolly recently presented at a roundtable discussion event in Dail Eireann on drug-related intimidation. The event which was organised by Sinn Féin and attended by community activists, drug task force members and academics explored the complex issues associated with drug debt and related violence and intimidation so as to investigate future policy options.

Johnny’s presentation traced the origins of the issues against the backdrop of Ireland's drug policy, highlighting the hidden harms associated with intimidation and community violence. He then reviewed the growing evidence base and current responses to intimidation and violence specifically such as the DRIVE initiative and to criminal networks generally such as the REPPP Greentown Programme.