Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gangland murders that have taken place to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28280/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2010, up to 24 June, ten gang related murders were recorded. In addition, the House will be aware of the two appalling killings in Ronanstown last Monday evening.

I deplore all such killings. They are further evidence of the callous disregard for human life and community safety shown by members of criminal gangs.

The Gardaí are carrying out intensive investigations of all these killings and will devote all necessary resources to the investigations. In setting the policing priorities for An Garda Síochána in 2010, I asked the Commissioner to continue the focus of the force on serious crime, in particular organised crime. This priority is reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for this year.

It has to be accepted that, as is the case in every jurisdiction, there can be considerable difficulties for police investigators in obtaining evidence in relation to gangland murders. Associates of a victim of a gangland killing are often criminals themselves and do not cooperate with Garda investigations. Indeed, they frequently fail to cooperate even when they themselves are the victims of violence. There is often no connection or personal association between the victim and the perpetrator. Witnesses may also be subject to high levels of intimidation not to come forward.

It was against that background that last year that I introduced a series of strong but necessary anti-gangland legislative measures, in particular the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act.

I have consistently made it clear that inevitably it would take time for the full effects of that legislation to become clear. An Garda Síochána has been making full use of the legislation since it has been enacted, to build up criminal cases against gangland figures. It is painstakingly gathering evidence that is sufficient to satisfy the DPP to prosecute people in relation to gangland activities and that will stand up in court. A number of persons are before the courts. Two have been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation. Six have been charged with participation offences. Arrests under that legislation have also led to charges in relation to firearms and drug offences. Other files are with the DPP and I am confident that, as the evidence accumulates against individuals, successful prosecutions will be taken.

I have also introduced further significant legislative proposals, which are currently before the House, including the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) and Criminal Procedure Bills, and I will not hesitate to introduce further proposals if that becomes necessary. In addition, I have secured Government approval to commence work on a new Bail Bill to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law.

The resources available to An Garda Síochána remain substantial, in spite of the pressure on the public finances. The gross amount in the Garda Vote this year is €1.5 billion. We have prioritised allocations for front line policing. There are now almost 14,600 attested Garda members, and the overtime allocation is the same as for last year, at €80 million. A new Garda recruitment campaign is commencing, and the Government has approved 170 Garda promotions as a derogation from the moratorium on promotions.