Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of occasions the Defence Forces explosive ordnance disposal team has been called out in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010 for each Garda region; the number of hoax calls received and the number of controlled explosions carried out in both these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9251/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the first quarter of 2011 there have been 55 incidents nationwide at which a Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Device team has attended, 11 of which were declared to be hoax incidents. In the same period in 2010, there were 45 such incidents, of which 13 were declared to be hoax incidents. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that data is not maintained in respect of controlled explosions conducted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.

The use of explosive devices is a matter of ongoing concern both to me and to the Garda Authorities. Garda strategies in counteracting their use are very firmly focused on disrupting the criminal groups involved and, where sufficient evidence is available, proffering charges and bringing such persons before the Courts.

There are significant penalties available to the courts following conviction for explosives-related offences, including a penalty of life imprisonment for causing an explosion likely to endanger life, up to 20 years' imprisonment upon conviction for an attempt to cause an explosion likely to endanger life and up to 14 years' imprisonment following conviction for possession of explosives.