Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if Operation Thor has been a success since its introduction; the number of persons arrested and charged while the operation has been ongoing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9714/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Operation Thor commenced in November 2015 and since then we have seen very positive trends in the level of burglary crime. In fact, the most recent CSO Recorded Crime Statistics, which are the full year figures for 2015, show that during the last three months of 2015 the number of burglaries reduced by 26.2% compared to the same period in 2014.

Operation Thor was developed after I initiated a broad review of our approach to burglary crime in the early part of last year. Operation Thor is now providing a concerted drive against those involved in burglary crime, including the highly mobile criminal gangs who have targeted communities in many areas of the country and caused so much damage and distress in the process. The Deputy will appreciate that it will take some time for all investigations initiated under Operation Thor to be fully processed through the criminal justice system, and that the bringing of charges is a matter to be decided independently by the prosecuting authorities. However, I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the concentrated Garda activity under Operation Thor has so far produced more than 19,000 anti-crime patrols and in the order of 23,000 targeted checkpoints nationwide. There have also been in the region of 1,300 arrests covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.

I can also advise the Deputy that I have made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. I am very pleased that this new legislation is now available to support the work which is being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.

Operation Thor delivers on increased investment in policing by this Government and marks a significant step-up in the Garda response to burglaries and related crime. In excess of €5 million is being specifically committed to support Operation Thor and includes funding for Garda overtime which is supporting a combination of additional patrols, checkpoints, rapid armed response and public awareness measures. Furthermore, investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021 which provides €46 million for new Garda vehicles, ensuring that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive, on the roads and in the community. The Government is also investing in Garda airborne surveillance and enhanced technology and ICT systems. In fact, the Capital Plan 2016-2021 provides an additional €205 million for Garda ICT over the lifetime of the Plan, underlining the ongoing commitment in the Programme for Government to resource and equip An Garda Síochána to provide enhanced policing and to support local communities in all areas of the country.

The Deputy will also be aware that under the new Programme for Government we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment with a view to achieving a Force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government's anti-crime strategy and it builds on the recruitment of 1,150 new Gardai since we reopened the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. The ongoing recruitment process will support all policing operations, including Operation Thor.