Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress being made by Operation Steel; the number of Garda personnel involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37035/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, an additional 55 members were allocated to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in November 2005 to augment the Organised Crime Unit. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation "Steel" was put in place following the addition of these members to monitor and target those individuals and groups involved and associated with armed crime and to address the problem of criminal gang activity. I am further informed that as a result of this ongoing policing operation, there have been a number of serious crimes detected resulting in significant numbers of firearms and quantities of drugs and money being seized. A number of persons are currently before the Courts arising from this initiative. This and other targeted policing operations are reviewed by senior Garda management on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness.