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Crime Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (605, 610)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

605. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he and his Department have examined policing practices and structures in other jurisdictions with a view to availing of the best such practices for application here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19578/14]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

610. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána continues to have available the necessary resources to identify, isolate and put out of business the various criminal gangs operating throughout this country who are based in this jurisdiction or overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19583/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 610 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In that context the Garda authorities have confirmed that they monitor policing developments in other jurisdictions on an on-going basis with a view to identifying international best practice in the areas concerned and to promoting its application throughout the Garda organisation. In addition the Deputy will appreciate that in the course of its activities the Garda Síochána Inspectorate frequently takes account of and makes recommendations based on initiatives undertaken by police forces outside the State.

Within An Garda Síochána the allocation of resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The implementation of this task is constantly measured against the strategic objectives set out in the Garda Policing Plan 2014, which contains a commitment to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised crime activity of a national and transnational dimension.

To achieve this the Garda authorities have adopted a multi-disciplinary approach which incorporates the use of advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies, targeted operations at the local and community level and ongoing cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, police forces from other jurisdictions, and international policing agencies such as Europol and Interpol. Gardaí in National Units and local Divisions engaged in these targeted activities are supported by the Organised Crime Unit which focuses specifically on preventing and disrupting the activities of groups engaged in organised crime.

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