Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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99. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the successes of An Garda Síochána in the apprehension of criminal gangs; the degree to which the campaign against such criminal activity is ongoing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7994/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that targeting organised crime activity is an ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána is tackling such activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.

This involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts and across all geographical locations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by Garda specialist units including the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the National Economic Crime Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations and supported, as required, by the Security and Intelligence Section. These specialist units also work closely with the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting persons involved in such criminality. All of these units operate under the umbrella of An Garda Síochána Special Crimes Operations Unit.

Multi-disciplinary approaches are utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including the use of the proceeds of crime legislation, money-laundering legislation and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

An Garda Síochána continues to participate in joint and multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional investigations, within the European Union and world-wide. Successful investigations, prosecutions and disruptions of criminal activities have been and continue to be achieved through these parallel investigations.

The Deputy will also be aware of the very significant measures which have been introduced in response to the recent feuding activity including the establishment of a dedicated Garda Armed Support Unit in Dublin and the establishment of the Special Crime Task Force.

Commendable successes continue to be achieved in targeting criminal groups as well as the drugs and firearms seized and assets targeted.

We are seeing significant results including those of An Garda Síochána Operation Hybrid. As of 27th January 2017, there have been 53 arrests and 5 charges brought in connection with the recent shootings and 3 charges brought for related offences. In addition, 26 firearms have been seized and over 11,000 lines of enquiry established. This Operation is reviewed on a weekly basis to maintain optimal impact.