Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
379 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to deal with the 17 ruthless gangs he has identified as being in operation in Dublin and which are involved in debt collection by killing, patch protection by killing and retribution by killing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/04]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that an operation has been established under the direction of a detective Garda superintendent who has initiated a number of different Garda operations specifically aimed at targeting organised criminal gangs in the Dublin metropolitan region. This operational unit is liaising very closely with other specialised Garda units and detectives throughout the city.
I am further informed that this operation is ongoing and has resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of persons and associates connected with these gangs. The Garda authorities have also assured me that the targeting of these criminal gangs is continuing.
