Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current status of operation deel; the extent of resources available; the operation achievements to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1928/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Deel was a pro-active crime prevention initiative put in place by senior Garda management in a number of adjoining Garda districts along the North Cork/West Limerick border. The Operation, which involved additional patrols and checkpoints by uniformed and plain-clothes personnel, was carried out in April and May 2005 and again in November and December 2005. The primary objective of the Operation was to prevent and detect the activities of travelling criminal gangs who were suspected of being involved in burglaries and other criminal activity within the targeted districts.

The Operation was very successful in thwarting the activities of such gangs through high visibility policing and resulted in a number of high profile arrests, prosecutions and convictions.

I am also informed that, following a review, the initiative was reactivated during 2006 under Operation Anvil with a more general focus on the Southern Region. It is proving particularly successful in tackling night time travelling gangs who specialised in committing burglaries. A number of members of these gangs were arrested and are currently before the courts.

I am further informed that the Operation is resulting in a significant reduction in the number of burglaries recorded in the Region.