Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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348. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether retail crime is becoming an issue to town and city centres; to ensure the public feel safe in town and city centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39666/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I, and the whole Government, are committed to the principle that everyone should be safe, and feel safe, and we are taking a number of steps in this regard. The Government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that there is a strong, visible policing right across Ireland.

Operation Táirge was launched in December 2023 by the Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing & Community Engagement and both I and my colleague, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond TD were in attendance.

The operation's aim is to support operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing organised retail crime.

Organised retail crime typically refers to situations where a number of persons are acting together, targeting retail outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to sell back into the retail supply chain illegally.

As the operation takes an organisational approach to the issue of organised retail crime, I am advised that all operational Gardaí are aware of, and contribute to the aims and objectives of the operation.

The commencement of Operation Táirge has been an important step in tackling retail crime.

Under Operation Táirgre, An Garda Síochána are working to reduce organised retail crime by:

• Using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime.
• Disrupting the most prolific groups in operation through the use of organised crime and proceeds of crime legislation.
• Working with retailers to strengthen their security and prevent them from becoming victims of this criminality.
• Supporting those working in retail to report a crime.
• Identifying and targeting the areas where organised retail crime shadow markets operate, and their leadership.
• Working with high risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution.
• Deterring people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences.