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

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of cases in respect of which proceedings are currently under way against criminal gangs or members thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/11]

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

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of known members of criminal gangs currently active throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16894/11]

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

Question 131: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions taken against members of criminal gangs in each of the past four years to date in 2011; the number that were successful; the number that were unsuccessful; the number pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/11]

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

Question 135: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons or gangs currently deemed to be involved in drug or people trafficking; the extent to which action has been taken such as prosecution and sentence in each of the past five years to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16899/11]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, and 135 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are two categories of organised crime groups operating in this jurisdiction. The first category consists of individuals / groups that are well established and tightly structured involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery, firearms offences and other offences with international connections. The second category involves groups whose activities are characterised by less cohesive group structures and criminal activities which are mainly confined to Ireland.

The Deputy will appreciate that membership of organised crime gangs tends to be fluid and the nature of criminal activity such, that offences committed by members of criminal gangs may or may not be connected with an individual's membership of such gangs. It is therefore not feasible to give reliable figures for the information sought by the Deputy.

However, figures are available with regard to the number of arrests and charges which have been made in connection with the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 dealing with organised crime. Since the enactment of that legislation on 23 July 2009, up to and including 31 May, 2011, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the provisions of the Act have been used on 127 occasions where arrests have been made relating to organised crime. To date, eight individuals have been charged under the legislation, six under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as inserted by section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 (participating in organised crime) and two under section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as inserted by section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 (directing a criminal organisation). In addition, a number of investigation files are currently with the Law Officers awaiting directions. Furthermore, these arrests have also resulted in charges being preferred for a range of other offences and these cases are awaiting the submission of comprehensive investigation files to the Law Officers.

As the Deputy will appreciate, given the serious nature of the offences dealt with under the 2009 Act, full, thorough and often complex investigations of suspected organised criminal activity is necessary and must be conducted before charges can be brought against any individuals involved in such crime. I can assure the Deputy that tackling serious and organised crime and bringing those involved in such activities to justice is a key ongoing priority both for the Government and for An Garda Síochána.