Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he proposes to take to combat the activities of criminal gangs; the degree to which the special powers included in Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 have been evoked to date in 2009 in this context; his further proposals including a review of the availability of bail in almost all circumstances; the action he will take to prevent further criminal activity while on bail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40260/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government attaches the highest priority to tackling serious crime and bringing those involved in such activities to justice.

An Garda Síochána undertakes a number of multi-agency activities designed to target and disrupt the operations of criminal organisations. The targeting of those involved in serious crime is done in a number of ways, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

In addition the Government has in recent times introduced an extensive suite of criminal justice legislation containing a range of new provisions targeted at those engaged in serious crime.

These measures include provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007, in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 and in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.

The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 is a very new piece of legislation aimed at tackling serious crimes but I can assure the House that An Garda Síochána are already actively making use of the provisions in this Act.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that given the seriousness of the offences being dealt with under this legislation that a full and thorough investigation of individuals and their activities must be conducted before charges can be brought against them. Therefore it is too early at this stage to provide details as sought by the Deputy.

Finally in relation to bail issues the Government today has agreed to my proposal to commence work on a new Bail Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law.

In preparing the Bill, I will be concerned with ensuring that the bail regime can operate in as tight and effective a way as possible. I will also examine the extent to which the current law could be restated to better guide the courts on the need to protect the public against those who present an unacceptable risk of committing a serious offence if granted bail.