Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The money made available continues to be used. I have told the Garda Commissioner that, if further money is needed for overtime resources, it will be made available. The Taoiseach and I gave her that reassurance. A budget is available for that purpose.

Contrary to reports, there has been no cutting back of patrols in the Dublin area. The Garda Commissioner continues to make the operational decisions needed to try to prevent attacks in the first instance, to gather the intelligence that allows the Garda's work to be effective and to continue its investigations. Yesterday I met and discussed the matter with Garda senior management.

We have strong legislation in place to deal with gangland activities, including the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. We also have the Special Criminal Court. As the Deputy knows, the second Special Criminal Court began its work approximately two weeks ago. All of the arrangements have been put in place. We will keep the legislation under review if further strengthening is required, but effective legislation was put in place in 2009.

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