Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the efforts being made to combat drug dealing and organised crime. [30679/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Tackling organised crime including drug dealing remains a key ongoing priority both for the Government and for An Garda Síochána. The Policing Plan of An Garda Síochána for 2012 sets out the continued commitment of An Garda Síochána to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised crime activities. In targeting serious and organised crime, members of An Garda Síochána continue to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.

Multi-agency approaches have been, and continue to be, used whereby all of the National Units from National Support Services including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Garda Technical Bureau, along with the Criminal Assets Bureau, are used to combat serious crime including those involved in the trafficking, importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. These Units are supported by the Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and timely information. These operations are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure effectiveness and are deployed in conjunction with the responsibility on all members of An Garda Síochána tasked with implementing and enforcing the criminal law.

In line with the National Policing Plan, the Garda National Drugs Unit continues to lead the Policing Strategy for Tackling Drugs by Demand Reduction and Supply Reduction strategies. The Garda National Drugs Unit continues to work with Divisional and District Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level. A strategic partnership has also been established between the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying common targets who are then pursued through intelligence-led investigations. In addition, with regard to preventing drug use, the Garda National Drugs Unit actively works with other statutory, community and voluntary bodies and represents An Garda Síochána on the relevant fora established under the National Drugs Strategy.

An Garda Síochána works collaboratively with law enforcement agencies throughout the world including through Interpol, Europol and Garda Liaison Officers based in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. An Garda Síochána also works closely with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Branch), the Police Service of Northern Ireland and HM Revenue and Customs in targeting the activities of organised crime gangs suspected of involvement in the importation, sale, supply and distribution of illegal drugs.

With regard to the further development of the legislative framework in this area, the Deputy will be aware that I have indicated to the House that I will keep under review the criminal law targeting organised crime, primarily that introduced under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. In addition, under the auspices of my Department a comprehensive review of the Proceeds of Crime legislation is underway with a view to identifying possible improvements which would serve to strengthen the operation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.