Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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117. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of criminal gangs apprehended, prosecuted and incarcerated in each of the past eight years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3440/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has conducted studies into the structures, modus operandi, strength and arms available to and through criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3445/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that organised criminal groups are fluid in nature and merge and split on a continuing basis, including through transnational links. In addition, offences committed by members of criminal gangs may or may not be connected with an individual's membership of such gangs. In this context, I hope the Deputy will appreciate that it is not feasible to provide accurate statistical information in the format requested.

However, I can assure the Deputy that addressing such criminality remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and for An Garda Síochána. In this regard An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out its continued commitment to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities. Gardai continue to utilise all available legislation, including the amendments to the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 introduced by the Oireachtas in 2009 to strengthen the range of measures available to combat organised crime groups.

An Garda Síochána also continues to develop and implement operations and strategies to target, dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multi-disciplinary approaches are utilised to ensure that the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of the Proceeds of Crimes legislation, money-laundering legislation and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau, as well as cooperation with Customs, other police forces, Europol and Interpol. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána proactively participate in international exchange of information on emerging crime trends and training facilitated by CEPOL, Europol and Interpol.

In recent years Garda operations have led to the seizure of a considerable volume of drugs as well as the arrest and prosecution of criminal gang members and the dismantling a number of organised crime groups who were operating in this jurisdiction.

In conclusion, I can assure the Deputy that I, and the Government, remain committed to doing all that we can to support An Garda Síochána in opposing organised crime in all its forms.