Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if in the context of deployment of Garda strength throughout the country, he will ensure that the highest possible profile is maintained throughout and that in particular the activities of criminal gangs are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46797/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will take in the forthcoming year to prevent the setting up of criminal gangs whether by legislation or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans in the coming year to tackle the issue of gun crime, whether by legislation or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46804/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 200 and 201 together.

I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner about all aspects of serious crime and the Gardaí will continue to bear down heavily on the activities of those involved in gang and gun crime. Specifically, the Garda Síochána Policing Plan sets out key actions aimed at tackling organised crime with a continued focus on drug trafficking, identifying and targeting the proceeds of crime, and challenging organised crime gangs through pro-active, intelligence based operations. The plan also contains key actions to support community safety through targeted high visibility patrols and the application of available technology. The determination with which the Gardaí are putting this Plan into effect is clear from the extent of the Garda operations launched against gangs as well as the many drug seizures that have taken place in recent months and weeks.

Organised crime needs to be combatted by disrupting and prosecuting those involved in its operations, and especially the drugs trade which is at the heart of much of its profits. Substantial efforts by An Garda Síochána and Customs are therefore devoted to damaging this business, with drugs seizures estimated at €59.3m for the first six months of the year. I should add that this figure does not include a number of substantial seizures made towards the end of that period which remain under analysis, including the largest ever inland seizure of cocaine made in this jurisdiction.

As Minister, I will continue, with the full support of the Government, to do everything in my power to assist the Gardaí in their work. There is already very strong anti-gangland legislation in place and serious penalties for firearms offences. Members of An Garda Síochána are continuing to utilise all available legislation and I have made it clear to the Garda Commissioner that if he feels there are other measures which might be taken in this area I will look at that very positively. But it is misleading to suggest that there is some simple legislative solution which will prevent dangerous criminals from trying to kill each other. If that were the case it would have been enacted years ago.

Despite the difficulties which are encountered in investigating gangland killings, I understand that the Gardaí have been able to bring people before the courts, particularly in relation to a number of high profile killings in the past couple of years, even though it will be some time before those cases are disposed of. Arrests have also been made in relation to a number of the recent shootings and a person charged in connection with one of the killings. The Garda Commissioner has my full support in steps he is taking to tackle this type of criminality and to bring organised criminals to justice.