Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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1. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the new measures she plans to introduce to target gangland crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10512/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach and I recently met with senior Garda management and were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent gang-related murders in the Dublin region. As these appalling crimes, which we all condemn, are the subject of ongoing Garda investigations, it would not be appropriate for me to make detailed comment on them. However, progress is being made. Every Deputy will agree that there are very real challenges in counteracting those who are determined to perpetuate a cycle of mindless violence and who are intent on a cycle of revenge and retaliation. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that An Garda Síochána has in the past successfully faced down criminal gangs, whether in Limerick or elsewhere, which believed they were above the law. The Government remains committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to deal effectively with the thugs who perpetrate this violence. I met with inner-city community representatives yesterday to discuss the supports local communities need from An Garda Síochána and other agencies of the State. There is work to be done to support people who live in these areas and who must face and deal with this. They are worried and frightened by what has happened.

At the request of the Commissioner earlier this year, I announced a special allocation to support concentrated policing measures, including steps to establish a dedicated armed support unit, ASU, in the Dublin area. I am pleased to say that there was a huge number of applications from members of An Garda Síochána to join that armed response unit. It must be clearly understood that, pending the full establishment of the new unit, arrangements have been put in place so that the necessary armed support is being provided on an overtime basis.

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I am being kept up to date on this work and can assure the Deputy that the establishment of the unit, including all of the necessary training and preparatory arrangements, is being progressed as a matter of priority. The Garda response includes highly visible policing, the use of armed checkpoints and targeted and intelligence-based operations to disrupt and prevent incidents as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. Contrary to suggestions made in some quarters, there has been no diminution in these operations in recent weeks. The Garda authorities have assured me the opposite is, in fact, the case.

The Deputy will also be aware that under the new programme for Government, we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment with a view to achieving a force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government's anti-crime strategy and we have already made provision for the recruitment of 1,150 new gardaí since we reopened the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. The programme for Government also commits to ensuring that Garda specialist units, such as the armed units which respond to gang-related violence, are enabled to operate at full strength.

I remain in close contact with the Commissioner and will respond promptly if she feels there are further measures that can be taken to oppose and dismantle these criminal networks and the evil drugs trade which is at the heart of much of their activities.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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As the Minister knows, gangland crime is impacting hugely on the city. We discussed it last week in the Dáil. The budget the Minister announced in February was of the order of €5 million. Can the Minister give the House some indiction of how much, if any, of that sum has been drawn down because there are conflicting reports in the media on that matter?

Has the Minister instructed any of the Department's officials to conduct a review of the Criminal Justice Act which, as we mentioned last week, was significantly ramped up by previous Ministers for justice to target the people involved in gangland activity? I have met the communities in question. The Minister stated she had met them recently. They want to know that the legislation in place is fit for purpose.

Will the Minister comment on the proposal contained in Fianna Fáil's election manifesto that a serious and organised crime unit be established? It would be an amalgamation of the Garda national drugs unit and the organised crime unit? It would bring together the skill sets required to deal with the entire landscape of gangland criminality, not just drugs but also human trafficking and counterfeit goods and medicines.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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I suggest we review some of the powers available in foreign jurisdictions, for example, the concept of investigating magistrates in Italy where there are serious gangland issues.

On the armed response unit the Minister has announced and for which she has stated there has been a large number of applications, when will it be established? It seems to be on the never-never.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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No.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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It was announced in February during the general election. The Garda Commissioner was recently quoted as saying it would be up and running next month. When exactly will it be established and what will be its size? May we have information on the number of personnel and level of resourcing that will be available to it?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Quite a lot has happened. It has been advertised within the Garda and there have been hundreds of applications. Interviews must take place and are beginning. It is hoped that, once the extensive interviews and assessments have been completed, the unit will comprise approximately 55 gardaí and three sergeants. I will send the Deputy the details. The unit will operate in the Dublin area as an armed response unit. I expect it to be in place in June or July.