Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the number of criminal gangs known to be actively involved, directly or indirectly in drug importation, distribution, money laundering, racketeering or protection have increased or decreased in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which action has been taken to curtail their activity in the past; if it is intended to take major initiatives with a view to combating, in a substantial way, their growth activity and profit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16746/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that organised crime, by its nature, is constantly evolving and diversifying in both its structures and its activities, so as to exploit opportunities for criminal gain.

Given its complex nature and the fact that membership of organised gangs tends to be fluid and offences committed by members of criminal gangs may or may not be connected with an individual's membership of such gangs, it is not feasible to give reliable figures sought by the Deputy.

An Garda Síochána continues to deploy considerable resources in tackling organised and serious crime, and addressing such criminality remains a key ongoing priority both for the Government and for An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána will continue to vigorously tackle organised crime through undertaking a range of activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. This involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

An Garda Síochána also maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies internationally.

Law enforcement efforts in this regard are underpinned by a comprehensive framework of criminal law measures. I have indicated to the House that I will keep under review the question of whether any further improvements could be made to the overall legislative framework in this area to render it more effective. In particular, I have asked my Department to undertake a specific review of the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 to see if its provisions can be strengthened.

In addition, I will be bringing forward proposals for changes in the Proceeds of Crime legislation to increase the powers available to the Criminal Assets Bureau. As we know, financial gain will always be at the core of organised criminal activity and measures that target the proceeds of such activity, strike at the heart of such operations.

Where there is an identified requirement for additional legislative provisions to further enhance existing provisions tackling organised crime, I will not hesitate in bringing forward proposals.

Finally the Programme for Government contains a number of other commitments which are aimed at helping bring to justice those responsible for committing crime. For example, the proposed establishment of a DNA database to assist An Garda Síochána in the investigation of serious crime.