Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the number of organised criminal gangs currently operating here have been located or identified; the extent to which each or all have been associated with drugs, gun crime or murder; if the necessary resources have been made available or are expected to be made available to ensure that such perpetrators are brought to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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An Garda Síochána, as part of its contribution to the Europol Organised Crime Report which was refined to become the Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA), undertakes an annual assessment of organised crime in Ireland. The most recent assessment was completed in November 2006.

The analysis carried out for this report concludes that the nature of organised crime gangs continues to be the same as in previous years. There are two categories of organised crime groups operating in this jurisdiction.

The first category consists of individuals/groups that are well established and tightly structured involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery and firearms offences. The second category involves groups whose activities are characterised by less cohesive group structures and criminal activities which are mainly confined to Ireland.

Because of the relative fluid nature of those involved in serious/organised crime in Ireland it is not possible to easily place them in a particular group. While it is difficult therefore to provide an accurate and definitive number for the various groups operating here, gangs operating in this jurisdiction are targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. Their membership, operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted.

Intelligence-led operations, primarily undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána, under the remit of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, and the Organised Crime Unit are regularly undertaken, targeting those suspected of being involved in organised crime.

The Criminal Assets Bureau, under the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, works closely with other national units and senior investigating officers in all Garda Divisions to ensure, wherever possible, that assets derived from criminal activity, including drug-related crime, are subject to post-conviction confiscation, pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act 1993, civil restraint pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996-2005 and the relevant Revenue and Social Welfare legislation.

An Garda Síochána will continue to use intelligence-led operations against selected targets to combat the criminal activities of these groups.

In relation to the resources available to the Gardai, the Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána has never been better resourced than it is now. The personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as on 31 August 2007, was 13,288.

As the Deputy will also know, there is an unprecedented expansion of An Garda Síochána currently taking place which is increasing the overall strength of the Gardaí to 16,000.

The Garda budget now stands at €1.44 billion; this compares to just over €0.9 billion five years ago. Garda overtime this year will total about €140 million; this compares to €66 million five years ago. The Garda fleet is undergoing major modernisation. Last year €24.7 million was used to purchase 1,378 vehicles for the Force, renewing over half the entire fleet.

The National Development Plan provides €260 million over the next five years for Garda stations and other accommodation. This level of resources translates into tangible improvements with increased and improved levels of policing on the ground.

Finally, I repeat the assurance that I gave to the House last week during the lengthy debate on crime that it is my intention to continue to prioritise areas such as gun crime, organised crime and drugs, and public order.