Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate provision is being made to tackle organised crime, with particular reference to surveillance and monitoring the activities of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6231/13]
View answerI am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner about all aspects of serious crime and the Gardaí will continue to bear down heavily on the activities of those involved. Specifically, the Garda Síochána Policing Plan 2013 sets out key actions aimed at tackling organised crime, with a continued focus on drug trafficking, and identifying and targeting organised crime gangs through pro-active, intelligence based operations. The determination with which the Gardaí are putting this Plan into effect is clear from the extent of the Garda operations launched against criminal gangs.
Organised crime needs to be combatted by disrupting and prosecuting those involved in its operations, and especially the drugs trade which is at the heart of much of its profits. Substantial efforts by An Garda Síochána and Customs are therefore devoted to counteracting this form of crime. A wide range of legislative powers are in place to support the investigation and detection of serious crime, including through covert surveillance, and very serious penalties have been introduced for firearms and organised crime offences. Furthermore, I have made it clear to the Garda Commissioner that if he feels there are other legislative measures which might be taken in this area I will look at that very positively.
Despite the constraints on public finances, substantial Garda resources remain in place and these must be seen in the context of the programme of real reform which is being delivered in An Garda Síochána under the Croke Park Agreement. Fundamentally, the objective of the present reforms is to maximise the time that our well-trained and highly skilled Gardaí spend on operational duties. The Garda Commissioner continues to have my full support in the steps he is taking to tackle organised crime and to bring those involved to justice.
