Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of guns or other lethal weapons seized in each of the past 12 months to date in 2010; if evidence exists that the weapons were used in the course of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19766/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful convictions against organised criminal gang members in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number acquitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19767/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of known criminal gang members or leaders apprehended, charged, convicted or acquitted in each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19771/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 159 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are two categories of organised crime groups operating within 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 criminal activities which are mainly confined to Ireland.

Membership of organised crime 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. The identification of offenders as members of a criminal gang is generally not an essential criterion in the prosecution of offences. It is not therefore possible to ascertain the precise number of criminals who are members of criminal gangs operating in this country. Nor is it possible to provide statistics of the kind sought by the Deputy.

As the Deputy is aware, the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 entered into force, in its entirety, on 23 July 2009. The primary purpose of the legislation is to make additional measures available to An Garda Síochána to combat organised crime. The Act introduced an amended offence relating to participation or involvement in organised crime with a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment. Where there is justification and a legal basis, those suspected of involvement in criminal activity are arrested, detained and questioned in relation to specific crimes. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that as a result of investigations focussing on organised crime a number of Garda investigation files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction. I can also inform the Deputy that four persons have appeared before the Courts this week charged with offences under the legislation relating to participation in organised crime activity. Senior management within An Garda Siochana continue to monitor developments as they occur to ensure that the resources at their disposal are deployed in the most effective manner so as to combat criminality.