Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 347: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the number of criminal gangs have increased or decreased in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16587/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The number of organised criminal groups is determined each year using the European Union definition of organised crime to compile the EU situation report on organised crime. Statistics supplied by the Garda Síochána to Europol during 2003 for inclusion in its annual report identified 17 major criminal gangs and approximately 100 groups overall operating in this country at that time. The position regarding criminal gangs does not remain static. Such groups are volatile. Their composition changes frequently and their existence can be of variable duration. Frequently, criminal gangs comprise criminals who are not affiliated to a particular gang but who may be associated with one or more groupings as the opportunity for acquiring cash or property arises. It is difficult, therefore, to establish accurate comparisons with recent years but indications are that the number of such gangs has increased slightly in that time.