Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Tackling organised and gangland crime remains my primary concern. Significant efforts and resources are already being directed on an ongoing basis in tackling organised crime and gangland culture. The State will be relentless in its approach in bringing those involved in such activities to justice.

An Garda Síochána already co-ordinates a wide range of multi-agency activities to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal gangs. It is only fair to recognise and acknowledge it is having considerable success in this regard. Intelligence-led operations are used by the Garda to target organised crime groups by utilising specialist units including the Criminal Assets Bureau, the organised crime unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Targeted intelligence-led operations, such as Operation Anvil, continue to result in significant seizures of firearms and property related to criminal activity and have led to the arrests and prosecutions of those involved. In terms of Garda resources, at a time when public finances are under extreme pressure, I have ensured that in the justice, equality and law reform area, top priority will continue to be given to front line policing activities. For example, funding for Operation Anvil has increased in 2009 from €20 million to €21 million while that for the Criminal Assets Bureau has increased by €1.5 million.

The reprehensible killing of a person in Limerick recently can be seen as a clear attempt by organised criminal gangs to undermine the criminal justice system. This demands a response from the State. The Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill, published last week, will enable material obtained by means of covert surveillance to be used as evidence to support or strengthen prosecutions. I hope the legislation will come before the House in the coming week or so. In addition to this legislation, I am currently working on a range of other legislative measures to combat criminal gangs. The proposals being considered include provisions similar to those previously introduced against subversive organisations.

Finally, I reiterate that the Government attaches the highest priority to tackling organised and gangland crime and will spare no efforts in tackling those involved in such activities head on.

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