Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation Safari; the number of persons arrested under this operation to date; the number of convictions secured to date; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14852/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Safari is an intelligence-led inter-regional operation targeting an organised crime gang operating across the Southern, Eastern and Western Garda Regions. The Operation was established in October, 2010 following analysis of crime trends, which identified this crime gang as being responsible for a series of criminal activities across these Regions. The initiative is ongoing.

To date, twelve persons have been arrested, ten of whom were detained for offences contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. To date, two persons have been charged and convicted for offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts and the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act 2001. Others remain before the courts on similar charges.

Following completion of the investigation, which remains ongoing, a comprehensive investigation file will be prepared and submitted to the Law Officers for directions.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation High Viz; the number of persons arrested under this operation to date; the number of convictions secured to date; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14853/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and will contact the Deputy in relation to the matters he has raised.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation Anvil; the number of persons arrested under this operation to date; the number of convictions secured to date; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14854/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in May, 2005 to target serious and organised criminal activity. The Operation was extended nationwide during 2006, and a series of special operations, proposed by each Regional Assistant Commissioner and designed to focus on areas of high crime, has been initiated. These have, generally, a short time focus, with particular targets identified. A number of operations have been completed, while further operations are ongoing and will continue this year.

Crime trends nationally are monitored closely, and senior Garda management put in place appropriate initiatives in conjunction with resources made available under Operation Anvil. There is a particular emphasis on serious and large volume crime, with special, intelligence-led, operations to tackle serious and organised criminal activity. Indications at present are that these initiatives are proving effective.

Up to May 2011, there have been 90,548 arrests made in connection with Operation Anvil. Statistics on the number of convictions resulting from arrests under Operation Anvil are not readily available and would require the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.