To ask the Minister of Justice what (i) support mechanisms; and (ii) legal safeguards are (a) in place; (b) planned, to help those who find themselves in debt to criminal gangs and are forced to undertake criminal activity on their behalf.

Addressing the harm that criminal gangs inflict on individuals, communities and our whole society is a key focus for my Department.

My earlier response to AQW 6162/22-27 referred to the work of the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC) which supports those who are vulnerable to all types of such harm. EPPOC data has been instrumental in highlighting previously ‘hidden harms’ such as illegal money lending and coercive control. I also mentioned EPPOC’s ‘Ending the Harm’ campaign (www.endingtheharm.com) which, as well raising awareness, signposts support for those who have become victims.

Some examples of EPPOC-funded projects that support those who may find themselves in debt to criminal gangs are:

The Mid and East Antrim youth support project which provides multi-agency support for young people (up to 25 years) who are at risk of being involved with, influenced by, or exploited by paramilitary gangs.

‘Engage’ which is an Education Authority-led intensive, specialist outreach and mentoring project working with young people within communities at risk of being harmed by paramilitaries.

'Aspire' which is Probation Board-led project targeting marginalised men who are most susceptible to paramilitary/criminal influence to help them develop alternate coping mechanisms and increase their resilience.

A specific project that works with victims to provide trauma or counselling support, including with issues such as drug debt.

In addition, in 2024/25 financial year, EPPOC will commence new scoping projects to address areas of concern identified by the programme. This includes work with colleagues in the Department of Health to identify a service response to the issue of drug-related intimidation. Learning from other jurisdictions will be considered in the Northern Ireland context to recommend a comprehensive and appropriate way forward. A similar approach will be taken for a project that looks across the system at how threats to life are currently dealt with, working closely with the range of relevant partners.

The current phase of EPPOC is due to conclude in March 2025. In due course, consideration will be given across the Executive as to next steps, ensuring that the lessons learned through the programme are embedded and scaled up.

In Northern Ireland the Child Services Cooperation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 requires statutory agencies to share information in safeguarding cases with the aim of improving outcomes for individuals.