Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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116. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on actions being taken to mitigate the significant rise in livestock theft from farms; the steps being taken to apprehend those behind these thefts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27732/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am of course aware of recent instances of theft of livestock and, clearly, these crimes have a very serious effect on farming families and rural communities. I am assured that An Garda Síochána are taking all necessary steps to thoroughly investigate these crimes and identify the perpetrators. It is of course essential that anyone who may have information about such crimes, even if appears insignificant, should contact the Garda. The Deputy will appreciate that as Garda investigations into these matters are ongoing I cannot comment in more detail on the specific policing responses which are being pursued.

In recent times An Garda Síochána have supported a number of partnership initiatives in relation to crimes affecting rural communities. A particular recent example is the campaign launched on 20 February to combat the problem of livestock theft, jointly organised by Crimestoppers, the Irish Farmers Association and an Garda Síochána. This campaign is calling on members of the public and in particular those in the farming community with information on the theft of cattle and sheep to come forward with information. A reward fund of €10,000 is available for significant information. Information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25. Alternatively, information can be provided to any Garda station.

An Garda Síochána are engaged in a range of targeted operations to disrupt the activities of organised mobile gangs who may be involved in the crimes referred to. In particular, Operation Fiacla is the national intelligence and analysis-led Garda operation targeting burglary and related property crimes throughout the country and is an important element in the Garda response to the concerns of rural communities about recent crime trends. I am pleased to say that I recently announced additional resources for new specialised vehicles to support an enhanced operational response by Gardaí to current and emerging crime threats, including the crimes referred to, being committed by highly mobile gangs.

I should also point out that An Garda Síochána continue to work closely with communities through Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and other community based groups to provide expert crime prevention advice. This includes advice in respect of crimes targeted at farms and in this regard a Garda Farm Security Booklet is available. In addition, revised guidelines have been published for communities wishing to set up community crime prevention schemes or to revitalise existing ones.

In conclusion I might also highlight the success of the Garda Text Alert Scheme which was developed with the participation of partners including Muintir na Tire and the Irish Farmers Association. This initiative has developed as an important crime prevention mechanism with over 600 local groups involving in excess of 120,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages being sent each month. I am advised that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána have published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.