I can assure the Deputy that targeting organised crime activity is an ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána is tackling such activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.
At international level An Garda Síochána utilises the available international mechanisms for police cooperation and training including CEPOL, Interpol, and Europol. An Garda Síochána also continue to participate in joint and multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional investigations, within the European Union and world-wide. Successful investigations, prosecutions and disruptions of criminal activities have been and continue to be achieved through these parallel investigations.
The Deputy will also be aware of the very significant measures which have been introduced in response to the recent feuding activity including the establishment of a dedicated Garda Armed Support Unit in Dublin and the establishment of the Special Crime Task Force.
As the Deputy acknowledges, commendable successes continue to be achieved by An Garda Síochána, including the drugs and firearms seizures made.
The Deputy will also be aware of the significant investment of some €46 million in the Garda Fleet under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. Over 520 new vehicles were purchased and allocated for use in 2016 alone. In addition, some 200 vehicles were purchased for allocation and use in 2017. This will be supplemented by funding of some €4 million which is available for new vehicles in 2017.
Some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.
A considerable amount of new Garda ICT solutions has been delivered over the past number of years. These include the deployment of a secure national digital radio system (NDRS), the deployment and support of Garda and Community CCTV systems, an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system and the addition of many new functions to the PULSE system.
The substantial additional investment provided under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 will facilitate progress on further important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation. Examples of the new systems to be developed through this investment include:
- new computer-aided dispatch to ensure responsive and coordinated deployment of Gardaí in the community;
- mobile technology to give the Gardaí secure mobile access to critical information when and where they need it;
- investigations management systems to ensure enhanced management of crime investigations; and
- upgrading the ANPR to enhance policing of road safety and compliance.
