Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The information requested by the Deputy concerning the numbers of cases of murder recorded in which firearms were used in each year from 1998 to date in 2007, prosecutions initiated and convictions secured is set out in the following table. Figures provided for 2007 are provisional, operational and liable to change.

The table shows that, in the relevant period, there were 142 murders in which a firearm was used, in respect of 39 of which proceedings were commenced. This gives an overall rate of 27%. Murders in which firearms are used are often, but not always, connected with gangland crime and are by their nature difficult to detect. All killings, regardless of the persons or circumstances involved, are the subject of a rigorous investigation by the Garda Síochána. The identification of the motive and the evidence available in its support are key elements of the investigation and prosecution process. On completion of such investigations, a file is forwarded to the law officers who direct what charges, if any, are to be preferred. It is then a matter for the courts to decide a person's guilt or innocence.

My highest priority is to bring gangland killings to an end and to bring those involved in gangland activities to justice. In recent days, we have witnessed a number of successful operations carried out by the Garda Síochána to deal with gangland crime. I am sure all Members of the House will join me in commending the Garda on these successes. Many have already done so. I cannot comment on the detail of what took place since the operations form part of criminal investigations and court proceedings, but I can say that this type of relentless activity by the Garda Síochána, under Operation Anvil in particular, will continue to be used to deal with these gangs.

Last week, I published the policing priorities I have determined for the Garda Síochána for 2008, as provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The first priority relates to targeting gun crime, organised crime and drug trafficking. The priorities refer in particular to the use of specialist units and targeted operations such as Operation Anvil; profiling, intelligence gathering and threat assessments of individuals and groups involved in this type of crime; and the pursuit by the Criminal Assets Bureau of the proceeds of crime, including through the presence of enhanced liaison arrangements between bureau and Garda divisions.

The Government and all Members of the House will support the Garda fully in its efforts. For our part, we are providing unprecedented resources not just to the Garda Síochána but to all the agencies involved in the criminal justice system.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

We have considerably strengthened the criminal law. For example, we have made it more difficult to obtain bail in drug trafficking and firearms cases. The Criminal Justice Act 2006 updated offences and penalties for firearms offences and introduced minimum mandatory sentences of between five and ten years therefor. We have extended the periods for which the Garda can question people suspected of involvement in serious crime and we have updated the law on the right to silence. However, in any criminal justice system it takes time for legislative changes to have full effect in practice. In the immediate period ahead, we need to support fully the operational measures being taken by the Garda to target all of those involved in these activities.

Figures provided for 2007 are provisional, operational and liable to change.

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