Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional steps the Garda Síochána will take following the increase in the number of serious gun crimes over the past few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10305/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Gardaí are devoting all the necessary resources to the investigation of the serious crimes referred to by the Deputy and have my full support.

An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2012 reflects the priorities which I set for the current year and includes as a strategic goal the objective of confronting serious crime in all its forms. The Gardaí employ multi-disciplinary, intelligence-led approaches to ensure the activities and resources of individuals and groups involved in all criminal enterprises are effectively targeted. A wide range of legislative powers are in place to support the investigation and detection of serious crime, including through covert surveillance, and very serious penalties have been introduced for firearms and organised crime offences.

I want to place on record my appreciation of the efforts of An Garda Síochána to counteract this type of crime and of the many achievements which they have had in this regard.

While recently enacted legislation to tackle organised crime and targeted policing is being fully utilised by An Garda Síochána, I am keeping the legislation under review. In particular, I have requested my Department to review the operation of the organised crime provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 to see if its provisions can be strengthened.

Despite constraints on public finances, substantial Garda resources remain in place and these must be seen in the context of the programme of modernisation which is being delivered in An Garda Síochána under the Croke Park Agreement. I have full confidence in the Commissioner and the members of the Force in continuing on the delivery of this reform so as to provide effective front-line policing and investigate and detect serious crimes of the kind referred to by the Deputy.