Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

296. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extra resources that have been allocated to L District in DMR West Garda unit to tackle gangland crime there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35449/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and allocation of all resources, including personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the "L" District (Clondalkin) on 31 July 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 199. These are supported by 11 Garda Reserves and 13 Civilians. Clondalkin Garda District forms part of the DMR West Garda Division. The personnel strength of the DMR West Garda Division on the same date was 710.

Resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

Organised criminal activity is being targeted by An Garda Síochána across a number of fronts, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Serious and Organised Crime Unit and the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

While the challenges posed by gangland and organised crime remain clear to all, An Garda Síochána continue to make arrests and bring persons before the Courts, with substantial sentences handed down in many instances.

In recent weeks we have seen very significant outcomes from a number of Garda operations against criminal gangs including a carefully planned and coordinated strike to dismantle a major drugs gang which led to the arrest of nine persons and the seizure of drugs with an estimated value of over €5 million.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.