Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of known criminal gangs currently operating throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11899/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that organised crime is constantly evolving and adapting to take advantage of the prevailing social and economic climate. With regard to organised crime structures in this jurisdiction, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently two categories of organised crime groups operating in the jurisdiction. The first category consists of groups that are well established and tightly structured and who are involved in offences such as drug trafficking, armed robbery and firearms offences. The second category involves groups who are characterised by less cohesive group structures and whose criminal activities are mainly confined to Ireland.

In the circumstances, and taking into account the disparate and constantly evolving nature of the groups involved, it is not possible to give a reliable figure for the number of gangs operating at a specific time. The operation of these groups is monitored on an ongoing basis by An Garda Síochána and, where relevant, information is disseminated at a European level to Europol. I can assure the Deputy that addressing organised crime remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána. This priority is clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2013 which sets out the continued commitment of An Garda Síochána to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in organised criminal activities.