Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Criminal Prosecutions

7:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions in each of the past five years in which known serious crime gang bosses or principles were prosecuted; the degree to which convictions were secured; the number of times in which bail was allowed; the number of times in which they re-offended while on bail; if they re-offended more than once in those circumstances; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42003/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of organised criminal gangs who have received or have been refused bail in the past 12 months when before the court, and who have re-offended while on bail on one or more occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42209/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of leaders of major criminal gangs that have been convicted, imprisoned, acquitted or released on bail in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42210/06]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of organised criminal gangs operating here; the number who have been detained, questioned or charged in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42215/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 85, 86 and 90 together.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that all major criminal groupings and individuals continue to be under active investigation by An Garda Síochána and arising from on-going Garda operations and initiatives, a number of persons have been brought before the Courts to face charges relating to serious criminal activity.

I am further informed that, where there is justification and a legal basis, those suspected of involvement in criminal activity are arrested, detained and questioned in relation to specific crimes. A member of An Garda Síochána must, at all times, have reasonable grounds to believe that an individual has been involved in criminal activity before they can arrest and question any person in relation to criminality.

An Garda Síochána do not collate statistics on the basis of the roles which offenders may have, either as individuals or as group members, when participating in criminal activity. The other matters raised by the Deputy are a matter for the Courts Service which is independent in the performance of its functions.

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