Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time Operation Anvil is in existence; the number of Garda overtime hours involved; the cost of the operation to date in 2006; when it is intended to cease the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/06]

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

Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin metropolitan region on 17 May 2005 and is ongoing. At my request, Operation Anvil is being extended outside the Dublin metropolitan region during 2006, with a view to addressing the problem of serious crime.

Operation Anvil will continue as long as it is deemed necessary in operational and policing terms. It has contributed to encouraging outcomes. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, to date, there have been 1,522 arrests, which include 17 arrests for murder, 310 arrests for serious assault, 629 arrests for burglary and 280 arrests for robbery offences. Furthermore, the total number of firearms seized to date under Operation Anvil is 347 and property to the value of more than €5.5 million has been recovered.

The total number of overtime hours paid for the operation from its commencement up to 31 January 2006 is 260,996. The net incremental cost of the operation, from its commencement to 31 January 2006, is €9,683,206. This figure includes the cost of overtime, travel and subsistence, and other ancillary costs.