Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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591. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate modern technology is available to An Garda Síochána in the context of the fight against organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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592. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which modern communication technology is readily available to An Garda Síochána with particular reference to the fight against organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that ICT is recognised as an essential tool for supporting the day-to-day operations of over 16,000 Garda members, Garda reserves and civilian staff. On an annual basis, approximately 13.5 million vehicle registrations are read by the Automated Number Plate Recognition System, 1.9 million records are exchanged electronically with the Court Services, 9.3 million PULSE searches are conducted, 19.5 million TETRA digital radio calls are made and 118,000 fingerprints are searched. The TETRA Radio system provides a modern digital encrypted radio system to all operational members of An Garda Síochána allowing them to communicate securely.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crimes, and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.

Accordingly, the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016 - 2021 sets out a series of initiatives which will enable An Garda Síochána deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime. In support of this plan, some €342 million, including €217 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.

In this context, a broad range of ICT projects are being delivered to support existing systems and develop them further, with the overall goal of supporting the ongoing business requirements of An Garda Síochána in all fields, including the fight against organised crime activity.

An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out the organisation's priorities in tackling organised crime activity, together with its continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities.

In tackling such activity, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multidisciplinary approaches are also employed to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of the Proceeds of Crime legislation, money-laundering legislation, the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 relating to organised crime and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

At international level, An Garda Síochána utilises the available international mechanisms for police co-operation and training including CEPOL, Interpol, and Europol. Garda Liaison Officers are based, on a full-time basis, in other EU Member States, including the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. Garda Liaison Officers are also based at Europol.

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

While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.