Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which he or his Department have identified, located and monitored the activity of known criminal gangs throughout the country; the number of such that have to date been arrested from each identifiable gang; the number charged and convicted; if such gang leaders or principals have not to date been interviewed by the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34592/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There are, in general terms, two broad categories of organised crime groups operating in this jurisdiction. The first category consists of individuals / groups that are well established and tightly structured and are involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery and firearms offences. The second category involves groups whose activities are characterised by less cohesive group structures and are involved in criminal activities which are mainly confined to Ireland.

The membership of organised gangs tends to be fluid and the nature of criminal activity is such that offences committed by members of gangs may or may not be connected with the individual's membership of such gangs. It is therefore not possible, without the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time and resources, to attribute specific figures to the membership or activity of such gangs.

Organised criminal gangs operating in this jurisdiction are targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. Their members, operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted through intelligence-led operations, primarily undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána operating under the remit of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services. Units involved in these operations include the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and operations are regularly undertaken, targeting those suspected of being involved in Organised Crime.

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