I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in May, 2005 to target serious and organised criminal activity. The Operation was extended nationwide during 2006, and a series of special operations, proposed by each Regional Assistant Commissioner and designed to focus on areas of high crime, has been initiated. These have, generally, a short time focus, with particular targets identified. A number of operations have been completed, while further operations are ongoing and will continue this year.
Crime trends nationally are monitored closely, and senior Garda management put in place appropriate initiatives in conjunction with resources made available under Operation Anvil. There is a particular emphasis on serious and large volume crime, with special, intelligence-led, operations to tackle serious and organised criminal activity. Indications at present are that these initiatives are proving effective.
Up to May 2011, there have been 90,548 arrests made in connection with Operation Anvil. Statistics on the number of convictions resulting from arrests under Operation Anvil are not readily available and would require the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.