Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the head of the Garda Inspectorate, Kathleen O'Toole, that the Garda could identify newly emerging crime trends earlier and respond faster if better technology was made available to it; if he has discussed with Ms O'Toole the needs of the Garda in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7584/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Inspectorate is currently examining resource deployment in the Garda Síochána. In this general context I have received a proposal from the Inspectorate to undertake a study in this regard. I envisage that the terms of reference for the study will be finalised shortly.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he has taken to monitor known serious criminals living in communities; the checks and protections in place to protect residents and public safety in estates in which criminals are known to reside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7686/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the monitoring of serious criminals is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána, independent of political interference or direction. Persons involved in organised criminal activities, including persons suspected of involvement in drug-trafficking, importation, sale and supply, including the illegal importation of firearms, are being targeted by An Garda Síochána on a number of fronts, involving uniform and plain-clothes personnel overtly and covertly disrupting known criminals in the course of criminal activities. Such criminals, their operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted and intelligence-led operations, particularly under Operation Anvil, which commenced in May 2005 in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and was extended countrywide in 2006. The primary focus of Operation Anvil is the disruption of serious and organised criminal activity through such operations, in conjunction with an increased overt visible Garda presence.

Multi-agency approaches have been and continue to be used where all of the national units from National Support Services — the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and Garda Technical Bureau — are used to combat serious crime. These Units are also supported by the Garda Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and timely information. The Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised to identify and target funds accumulated by criminals, in order to seize such assets and to deprive them of the profits of their criminal activity. A dedicated unit within the Garda National Drugs Unit has been established to liaise with the Criminal Assets Bureau to target in particular those criminals and criminal groupings believed to be deriving profits and assets from drug-related criminal activity.

This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent. Operations are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness. In addition to these specific initiatives, all members of An Garda Síochána have the responsibility to enforce the criminal law, including relevant drug trafficking legislation. The situation is being closely monitored and kept under constant review by senior Garda management in conjunction with Regional Assistant Commissioners and Heads of Units.

The Criminal Justice Act 2007 provides that the courts may impose orders on persons convicted of serious offences, following their release from prison. These orders are intended to monitor the offender in question or to provide protection for the victim of the offence concerned. A monitoring order may require the offender to notify the Garda Síochána of their address and to further notify the Gardaí of any change of address. The court may also provide for a protection of persons order which prohibits the offender from engaging in behaviour which would cause fear or distress to the victim or any other person named in the order.

On 26 January, the Garda Commissioner and I launched a new Garda National Model of Community Policing. The Model builds on the success of existing good community policing practice within Ireland and aims to foster collaborative partnerships between An Garda Síochána and members of the community. Alongside the specialist operations already referred to, a comprehensive model of community policing ensures that enforcement will be employed not only to reduce crime but also to reduce the fear of crime and ensure a better quality of community life for all.