The deaths of five members of the English family in a drug-related arson attackhas sparked a national conversation about the impact of drug debt related intimidation on families all over Ireland.
One mother who spoke to Irish Examiner reporter Alex Cunningham this week described having to abandon her home due to violence and threats after her son began taking cocaine and cannabis at just 12 years old. Others talk about feeling totally alone as the intimidation and debts mounted and liken the experience to "living in a gangster movie".
The issues come as the south east regional drugs taskforce, which comprises HSE officials, Gardaí, councillors and frontline workers, has been effectively without a coordinator for seven years. The coordinator has been on gardening leave throughout this period, with Waterford TD David Cullinane describing the situation as "extremely serious".
Irish Examiner reporter Alex Cunningham is today's guest on the podcast.
The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: Gardaí raid two homes after Waterford arson attack
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