Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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64. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the level of resources and experienced detective units allocated in the north central Garda district to deal with recent serious shooting incidents is sufficient in view of the serious nature of some criminal activity in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34227/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors, including crime trends, demographics and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure that optimal use is made of Garda resources.

The area mentioned by the Deputy is patrolled by members assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central Division. I have been informed that as of the 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 604 Gardaí assigned to the (DMR) North Central. For operational reasons it is not appropriate for me to comment on the strength of the detective units operating in the Division.

At the request of the Commissioner earlier this year, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang-related crime in the Dublin area. The Government approved some €55 million to maintain the necessary policing response to tackle gangland and associated crime. This funding provides for:

- concentrated policing targeting gang related crime;

- the continued intensive and strategic targeting of burglaries and related crime through ongoing support for Operation Thor; and

- continued support for measures against terrorism.

Funding was also approved for the establishment of a dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region given the identified need to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit. The Dublin Armed Support Unit is, as a matter of priority, in the process of being set up, following a selection process training has commenced and it expected that the unit will be operational next month. Steps are also being taken to ensure that the Unit is fully equipped and to upgrade the equipment available to the Emergency Response Unit and the Special Detective Unit.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Operation Hybrid has been established to coordinate the response to violent crime in Dublin and address public safety concerns about community safety. As of 4 September 2016, there have been 38 arrests and 5 charges brought in connection with the recent shootings. In addition, 23 firearms have been seized and over 9,000 lines of enquiry conducted. In excess of 11,520 high visibility checkpoints have been implemented with significant support from Armed Support Units and a significant amount of CCTV footage, mobile phone traffic, and forensic evidence is also being examined. Operation Hybrid is reviewed on a weekly basis to maintain optimal impact.

For 2017, I have secured a further €71.5 million for Garda overtime which will facilitate the continuation of large scale policing operations including those targeting gangland crime and burglary.

Underpinning the measures outlined above is the Government’s intention to increase Garda numbers to 15,000. While in the short term substantial funds are being made available for overtime, measures are in train to accelerate the planned Garda recruitment programme, along with the recruitment of further civilian and specialist staff. In 2017 an extra 800 Gardai will be recruited as well as 500 civilian staff to ensure that the service is renewed and has the capacity to provide visible, responsive and effective policing to every community throughout the country.