Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that steps have been taken to ensure that criminal empires cannot be directed by those serving prison terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27781/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to implementing all appropriate measures to deal with prisoners who may be engaging in criminal activities from inside prison cells.

One of the major challenges in prisons worldwide lies in preventing access to contraband items, primarily mobile phones and drugs, which for obvious reasons, are viewed as highly valuable commodities which could assist in illegal activity. Efforts are made on a continuous basis to prevent the flow of such contraband into our prisons, by for example, the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, upgraded CCTV monitoring, the use of screened visits and prisoner and cell searches. In addition, new visiting arrangements are in place in all closed prisons whereby only persons who have been pre-approved by the Governor are permitted to visit.

I can also assure the Deputy that I am determined to deal with the problem of prisoners using mobile phones and, in this context, I believe technology offers the only real answer to dealing with the problem. The installation of a pilot scheme of technology to inhibit the use of mobile phones in prisons is currently under way at the Midlands Prison. The first phase has been completed and the second phase of the pilot programme is expected to be completed shortly. Evaluation of the project so far has yielded positive results and, if confirmed, the inhibitors will be installed in all our closed prisons over an 18 to 24 month period.

The Deputy will be aware that Section 36 of the Prisons Act 2007, which was brought into operation from 1 May 2007, makes it an offence for prisoners to have unauthorised possession of or use mobile telecommunications devices. Under the Act it is also an offence to supply such a device to a prisoner. The penalty for such an offence, on summary conviction, is a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, and on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.

Random searches of cells and their occupants and searching of correspondence and other items entering the prison have all intercepted significant quantities of contraband in recent years. When a person is admitted to prison custody, he or she is searched and prohibited items and money are taken. Similarly, searching takes place of prisoners returning from court, temporary release or after visits. Searches of prisoners also take place where their behaviour or information received raises suspicions that they may be in possession of contraband. The Prison Service has recently purchased a number of cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, u-bends in toilets, drain holes, under floor boards and other cavities. These new technologies are proving to be a valuable asset in this area. The planned new prison estates at Thornton Hall and Kilworth will also make it harder for contraband to enter the prison by locating recreation yards away from perimeter walls and having a cordon sanitaire.

As regards enhanced security, the Deputy will also be aware that I have recently announced a range of security measures aimed at keeping contraband out of our prisons. These measures include: the establishment of an Operational Support Group dedicated to, and developing expertise in, searching and gathering intelligence. The group will be available in addition to the normal prison staff and can target specific problem areas. They will also gather and collate intelligence information in their prison, carry out high profile escorts and assist the Chief Officer in charge of security in the continuing assessment and improvement of security.

The Drug Detection Dog Service will involve approximately 30 staff and an appropriate number of dogs. The Deputy will be aware that a pilot drug detection dog service has been in place since 23 May 2006 and is currently running in the Midlands/Portlaoise area and also in Wheatfield/Cloverhill Prisons, the Mountjoy complex and Cork and Limerick Prisons.

In addition, a number of serious gang members are now segregated in a special area of Cloverhill Prison. This initiative, in conjunction with the other measures referred to earlier, will prevent them from exerting inappropriate influence over other persons.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that can be taken unilaterally or at EU level against criminal gang leaders living abroad and participating in, directing or co-ordinating criminal activities here or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that while some Irish criminal groups have extensive links to kindred groups in other jurisdictions, it is not possible to quantify the extent to which Irish nationals based abroad are involved in criminal activity.

An Garda Síochána work closely with International law enforcement agencies in targeting the activities of Irish criminals operating outside this jurisdiction and the offices of Europol are also used extensively to coordinate the exchange of intelligence in the targeting of these criminals.

In addition, An Garda Síochána has liaison officers posted in a number of European countries whose function it is to liaise with the police and judicial authorities in those and neighbouring jurisdictions in the context of serious and organised criminal activity with an Irish dimension.

An Garda Síochána also has liaison officers appointed to Europol based in the Hague, to Interpol based in Lyons and is soon to also have a liaison officer assigned to the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre (MAOC) based in Lisbon.

An Garda Síochána works with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions in a number of ways. These include:

the exchange of strategic intelligence on the activities and modus operandi of criminal networks involved in organised crime.

the conducting of investigations within the State at the request of foreign law enforcement agencies, in accordance with legislation governing mutual assistance in criminal matters; and

requesting the assistance of other jurisdictions in conducting investigations on behalf of the Irish State, in accordance with arrangements for mutual assistance in criminal matters.

Where evidence exists to support a prosecution in this State against any particular individual residing outside the jurisdiction, an extradition application is pursued with the competent authority where extradition agreements are in place.

In addition, the Criminal Assets Bureau continues its statutory remit to deprive criminals of their assets pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2005 and relevant Revenue and Social Welfare legislation irrespective of where the people in question may be located.

All of this work continues to lead to the arrest of major criminals both here and abroad. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep under review the measures and resources in place for tackling organised crime. I will also continue to work with my EU colleagues in the Justice and Home Affairs Council to ensure that every possible measure, legislative or otherwise, is put in place to enhance EU strategies for combating transnational organised crime.