Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

257. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which organised crime levels remain to be monitored with a view to specifically targeting members of organised criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27608/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

258. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which her Department and the Garda Síochána have identified the total membership of criminal gangs operating in all parts of the country; if continued action is planned to combat them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27609/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

260. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will indicate, in general terms, the number of criminal gangs currently known to be active; if any particular such groups are operating from outside this jurisdiction; the action taken, or proposed, to address the issue [27611/15]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 258 and 260 together.

Tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána which is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015.

In targeting such activity An Garda Síochána continue to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods to facilitate targeted intelligence led operations.

Notwithstanding the challenges faced in tackling organised crime, An Garda Síochána are unrelenting in bringing those involved in this type of criminality before the courts and securing convictions.

In addition, these actions continue to lead to major drug and firearm seizures being made both through national policing operations but also through international law enforcement operations in which An Garda Síochána actively participate.

For example, during 2014 drug seizures provisionally valued in the region of €60m were made by An Garda Síochána. This does not include other very well publicised multi-agency investigations involving An Garda Síochána which led to significant drug seizures here and abroad including, for example, the seizure on Ireland’s south west coast last September of cocaine with an estimated street value of over €358 million.

We also continue to see the very successful targeting of crime gangs engaged in burglary crime through An Garda Síochána's Operation Fiacla which had, at the end of April this year, already led to over 13,000 arrests and over 7,300 charges being brought against those involved.

As the Deputy will also be aware there have been a number of very positive recent developments with regard to the overall resources available to An Garda Síochána including, for example, the recent allocation of a further €700,000 for new specialised vehicles to support the Garda in responding to current and emerging crime threats, including those committed by highly mobile gangs.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are inherent challenges in providing accurate figures with regard to the number of such groups operating at any particular time due to the fluidity of the groups. Organised crime, by its nature, is constantly evolving and diversifying in both its structures and activities so as to exploit opportunities for criminal gain. Furthermore many modern organised criminal groupings are transnational in nature and poly-criminal in their activities.

Having said that, organised criminal gangs are targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. In addition, certain information with regard to the operation of such groups is disseminated at a European level through Europol.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

259. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that will be taken by way of existing or new legislation to combat the activities of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27610/15]

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

Law enforcement efforts in tacking organised crime are underpinned by a comprehensive framework of criminal law measures.

This framework includes the more recently enacted provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 focusing on criminal organisations, the measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 relating to evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance and the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to the use of weapons.

This body of legislation has been supplemented further by the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, which provides for the establishment of a Database which will have the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist the Garda in investigating a whole range of serious offences.

The detailed and technical secondary legislation required to facilitate commencement of the 2014 Act is currently being finalised with a view to having the database operational as soon as is possible.

In addition, 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.

Furthermore, new upcoming legislation that will also assist in the fight against organised crime includes the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill, the Criminal Justice (Bail) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill.

I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that all necessary legislative provisions are in place to fully support the operational actions of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime.