Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 266: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific Garda resources, legislative and other measures that will be put in place immediately to tackle the gangland crime crisis in Limerick in view of the murder of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40683/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Commissioner has assured me that all resources which are required to bring the investigation into the murder of the person referred to by the Deputy to a successful conclusion are available to it.

Considerable resources within Limerick Garda Division are targeted at intercepting and disrupting the criminal activities of the various crime groupings, with intelligence gathering an essential part of the policing strategies put in place by local Garda management.

The Regional Support Unit commenced operations on 3 September, 2008 in the Limerick Division. When not participating in specific intelligence led operations, the Unit carries out armed patrols in the city and its environs concentrating on targeted areas of the city.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 626 Gardaí are attached to Limerick Division, with 488 or 78% of the Divisional personnel based in the two Garda Districts. In the last year alone, there has been a 12% increase in Garda numbers in Limerick city, and a 40% increase since 2003.

As well as a high and unceasing level of policing activity, community policing is a very important part of the Garda response and such units have been increased in strength in Limerick. Since January 2006, Community Policing Units throughout the city have been increased by two Inspectors, five Sergeants and 60 Gardaí. Community policing plays an important high visibility role in policing all areas of the city, including the areas where those suspected of involvement in criminal activity reside.

All available resources within Limerick City, supplemented by personnel and expert support from the units within National Support Services including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau, are being utilised to target organised crime groups and in particular the investigation into the murder referred to. The Emergency Response Unit has also been deployed to Limerick Division.

The work of An Garda Síochána is underpinned by an extensive range of legislation and I would mention specifically in this context the proposals which I am bringing forward in relation to covert surveillance.