Vol. 535 No. 1
534 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of organised criminal gangs operating within the State; the number of these gangs with historical or current links to paramilitary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11822/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of organised criminal groups is determined each year using the European Union definition of organised crime to compile the EU situation report on organised crime. The most recently completed situation report identified 12 major organised crime groups and 68 other less significant organised crime groups. The Garda authorities have also informed me that a small proportion of organised crime groups have historical or current links to paramilitary organisations, although it is difficult to be precise about the exact nature of the links maintained by organised crime groups.
