Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which best Irish or international practice continues to be applied to enable An Garda Síochána to tackle effectively the activities of Irish criminal gangs, or those outside this jurisdiction, controlling criminal activities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13800/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the operation of organised crime groups is closely monitored on an ongoing basis by An Garda Síochána and that tackling these groups remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána. This priority is clearly reflected in the Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2015.

In this regard, An Garda Síochána continues to tackle organised crime through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle their operations. This involves targeting serious criminals and organised crime groups through the use of focused led intelligence units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau. These units are also supported by the Security and Intelligence Section which assists with the provision of intelligence briefings and timely information.

An Garda Síochána also maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies internationally and the work of Garda liaison officers who are permanently based in other jurisdictions and in international bodies such as Interpol and Europol, greatly facilitates the prompt exchange of information and intelligence on criminal activity and has led to a number of successful joint operations targeting attempted importations of drugs and firearms which resulted in a number of significant arrests in the State and in other jurisdictions.