Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she is putting in place to support farmers along the Border region who have had livestock stolen, particularly in Counties Cavan and Monaghan where, in some instances, farmers have endured multiple thefts of livestock; the action she is taking on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19688/16]

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 Gardaí. 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 example is the campaign launched in 2015 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. I am pleased to say that the latest CSO crime figures, published last week, show a very significant decline in property related crime. The decrease in burglary for the twelve months ending 31 March 2016 is 18.4% compared to the previous twelve month period. There are also welcome decreases of 7% for theft and 6.7% for robbery during the same period. This underlines the success that An Garda Síochána is having in combating property crime through the targeted strategy which is being implemented under Operation Thor. Operation Thor has led to concentrated Garda activity with more than 24,000 crime prevention patrols and in the order of 30,000 targeted checkpoints nationwide. There have also been in the region of 1,900 arrests and 2,200 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.

I am pleased to say that the recently announced package of additional resources to support Garda operations in 2016 includes provision for the ongoing implementation of operation Thor. So I can assure the Deputy that there will be no let-up on the pressure which the Gardaí are bringing to bear on organised crime, including the mobile gangs who have targeted rural communities through livestock and other property crime.