Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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143. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the further steps he and An Garda Síochána are taking to urgently end the recent appalling spate of gun violence and murder in several parishes of Dublin city (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24526/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, Gardaí have put specific operations in place to deal with the serious incidents that have occurred in Dublin recently, and they are continuing to work directly with communities to keep our citizens safe. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities, Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and Local Drug Task Forces.

In addition, I am advised that local Garda patrols are being supplemented by Armed Support Units and there is ongoing liaison and support being provided by relevant sections within other specialist Divisions of An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy will also be aware that I was invited by Ministers Bruton, McGrath and Senator Noone to meet with community groups in the Dublin 13 and 17 areas recently, under the umbrella of the Northside Partnership.

The meeting involved representatives of various community initiatives in the Coolock, Darndale and Clongriffin areas, local school principals, Gardaí and local residents. I had the benefit of hearing the concerns and suggestions put forward by locals, covering issues such as education, employment and sport, and an undertaking was given that the Government will give them further consideration.

I also took the opportunity to outline the whole of Government approach which is being taken to policing and community safety under the implementation plan for the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report overseen by the Department of An Taoiseach.

We also met with senior members from An Garda Síochána and my Department officials at Coolock Garda Station. At the meeting, Gardaí briefed me on progress made in the various investigations and also set out actions they had already taken to enhance relationships with the community in the area. I am advised that a high level meeting also took place between the senior Garda managers responsible for community safety, intelligence and drugs and organised crime in order to manage the co-ordinated response to the recent killings, and I understand this group will continue to meet.

It is also the case that An Taoiseach met with Members of An Garda Síochána in Blanchardstown Garda Station on 6 June to discuss their response to recent serious incidents in the area.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will relentlessly pursue criminals that threaten thesafety of our communities, and the full force of the law will be brought to bear on those behind this violence and related gangland activities. The Government, for its part, will continue to invest unprecedented levels of resources in An Garda Síochána to help them achieve this objective and fight all forms of criminality in the State.