Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which organised criminal gang activity is monitored on a geographic basis throughout the country with particular reference to the relocation of centres of operation used by such gangs; if specific measures are required to deal with such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40074/13]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that organised crime, by its very nature, is constantly evolving and diversifying in both its structures and activities and that membership of organised crime groups tends to be fluid in nature.
Given the fluidity of membership, it can, therefore, be challenging to identify definitive numbers of groupings and members. Furthermore many modern organised criminal groupings are transnational in nature and poly criminal in their activities.
However, I can assure the Deputy that the operation of such organised crime groups in the State is closely monitored on an ongoing basis by An Garda Síochána and that tackling these groups remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána. This priority is clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2013.
In confronting such crime, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement new operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks. In this regard An Garda Síochána avail of advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies and apply multi-disciplinary approaches.
This approach involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts and across all geographical locations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Furthermore targeted operations such as the current Operation Fiacla which is focused on identifying and targeting mobile gangs involved in burglaries are also implemented in each Garda Region as required as part of the overall enforcement strategy.
In addition, at the international level An Garda Síochána also continues to work closely with neighbouring police forces to tackle cross border criminality and transnational criminal groupings. This includes ongoing cooperation and interaction with Europol and Interpol agencies.
Finally, An Garda Síochána also continues to work closely with all communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of local fora including the Joint Policing Committees and through community based initiatives such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch.
