Written answers

Wednesday, 17 November 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Gangland Crime

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to combat the increased level of activity among organised criminal gangs; if arising from any evaluation he has identified any particular legislative or logistic requirement, having particular regard to the ongoing situation as set out in recent media reports; if it is his intention to authorise any particular initiatives with the objective of tackling this growing problem in a way that will restore public confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42975/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can assure the Deputy that the Government attaches the highest priority to tackling serious crime. 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 and the specific initiatives undertaken by An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware that the criminal law has been significantly strengthened in recent times so as to provide additional legislative measures to An Garda Síochána in their efforts to combat organised crime.

The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, which entered into force on 23 July 2009, makes available a number of specific measures targeted at organised crime. In addition, further measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 relating to evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance and measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to the use of weapons have greatly strengthened the response to serious crime. Members of An Garda Síochána are utilising all available legislation to target organised crime including the provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 amending the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in relation to organised crime. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31st October 2010 eight individuals have been charged under the legislation, six under Section 72 of the Act (participating or contributing to certain activities) and two under Section 71A of the Act (directing the activities of a criminal organisation).

The success of Operation Chisel which targeted an organised criminal group based in northern inner city Dublin and which resulted in the arrests of thirteen people is an indication of how the Gardaí are utilising the legislative provisions to target such criminals. Ongoing targeted operations such as Operation Anvil, which commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in May 2005, has already had considerable success. As of the 31st October this year Operation Anvil had resulted in the seizure of 1,458 firearms and led to the recovery of over €40 million worth of property.

The Gardaí also use a multi-agency approach, whereby all of the National Units from National Support Services are used to combat serious crime. This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent. This approach is closely monitored and kept under review by senior Garda management. Where there may be an identified requirement for additional legislative provisions to further enhance existing provisions I will not hesitate in bringing forward proposals.

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 95: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that a member of a gang suspected of the killing of a drug dealer (details supplied) obtained a security licence from the Private Security Authority despite having a conviction for gun crime; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that members of criminal gangs do not obtain such licences nor engage in the provision of security services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42837/10]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that a member of a gang suspected of the killing of a drug dealer (details supplied) obtained a security licence from the Private Security Authority despite having a conviction for gun crime; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that members of criminal gangs do not obtain such licences nor engage in the provision of security services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43087/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 153 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the incident in question is currently the subject of a Garda investigation and so it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, to make any comment at this time in relation to any such investigation. With regards to obtaining a security licence, the Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department. My Department is therefore not involved in the day to day running of the Authority and the processing of licence applications is a matter solely for the Authority.

I would however like to assure the Deputy that the vetting of applicants is an integral part of the licensing process of the Private Security Authority. I am informed that, in the case of contractor licensing, all directors of a company, the partners in a partnership, all sole traders and any shareholder in a company with a shareholding of 20% or more are vetted, on the Authority's behalf, by An Garda Síochána. All applicants for individual licences also go through the vetting process. I am also informed by the Authority that when deciding whether to grant a licence to a person with a relevant conviction, it will take the following into account:

nature and seriousness of the offence(s) involved

the length of time since completion of sentence

overall interests of the public good

relationship of the crime to the purpose of requiring a licence

age of person before and after offence

conduct of person before and after the offence

evidence of rehabilitation

The PSA has written criminality guidelines in place to assist the Authority in making a decision, however they are in no way bound by these guidelines and may decide,where it deems the conviction(s) renders an applicant unsuitable to hold a licence, to refuse an application. The criminal record checking and criminality guidelines are continually monitored and validated to ensure that these systems operate as effectively as possible. I can inform the Deputy that, it is in this context that, discussions are ongoing, at my request, at a senior level within my Department, the PSA and An Garda Síochána to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that inappropriate persons are not in a position to secure licences in the private security sector. It is a complex legal area but based on the outcome of these discussions, I will then be in a position to decide if anything further needs to be done on this matter.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.