Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he proposes to introduce by way of legislation and other means to combat gangland crime in Limerick including covert surveillance, making membership of a criminal gang a criminal offence and establishing a full-time CAB operation in Limerick; when he proposes to bring these measures into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am working on a range of measures to combat gangland crime in Limerick and throughout the State. Last week I published the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill. The Bill will strengthen the ability of An Garda Síochána to bring gang members before the courts and offer evidence by providing for the first time a legal framework to allow covert surveillance material to be used in criminal trials.

In addition, I am working on a range of other measures, including greater scope for use of the Special Criminal Court; creating new offences of membership of, and directing, a criminal organisation; making these offences scheduled offences as regards the Special Criminal Court; simplifying the procedures relating to extension of time for questioning of suspects; and increasing the penalties for intimidation of a witness or juror. I expect to submit proposals for the Government's approval in the next few weeks.

Considerable Garda resources within Limerick Garda Division are targeted at disrupting the criminal activities of the crime groupings. The Regional Support Unit carries out armed patrols, and other units, such as the Emergency Response Unit and the units of National Support Services, are available.

The Criminal Asset Bureau (CAB) is involved in targeted operations in the Limerick area. Senior Garda management inform me that they are satisfied that CAB has an appropriate presence in Limerick. CAB has already been involved in targeted operations in the Limerick area, such as Operation Platinum, which took place in May 2008 when a significant number of properties in Limerick were searched and significant seizures made. There are currently asset profilers working full-time in Limerick, and CAB officials are in Limerick on an ongoing basis as required.