Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons prosecuted under the new gangland legislation. [21932/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy's question to refer to the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 which entered into force on 23 July 2009. The primary purpose of this Act is to provide for additional measures with respect to the combating of organised crime.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since the enactment of the legislation until 30 June this year, the provisions 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 2009 Act (participating or contributing to certain activities) and two under Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as inserted by section 5 of the 2009 Act (directing the activities of a criminal organisation).