Bernard Durkan
Question:226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of criminal gang members incarcerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33473/17]
View answerWednesday, 12 July 2017
Questions (226)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that a report compiled by the Irish Prison Service identified 12 criminal gangs within the prison population excluding the subversive groupings in Portlaoise Prison. It is not possible to provide definitive numbers in relation to those gang affiliations within the prison system. Prisoners upon committal seldom state their allegiance to any criminal organisation. Membership/allegiance of these criminal gangs fluctuates on a continuous basis with some persons breaking links and others becoming affiliated.
The emergence in recent years of criminal gangs has had significant implications for the management of Irish prisons. Rivalries and feuds which develop on the outside continue inside of prison. Prison management must ensure that the various factions are kept apart and, as far as possible, that gang members do not have influence over other inmates in the prisons or criminal activities on the outside.
A number of initiatives have been introduced with a view to preventing identified gang leaders from conducting criminal activities while in custody and also to prevent them exerting inappropriate influence over other persons. For example, the security initiatives undertaken by the Operational Security Group have made it more difficult for prisoners to engage in illegal activities while in prison. These initiatives include the installation of airport style security including scanners and x-ray machines. Core functions of this group include gathering and collating intelligence information on criminal gang members in custody , carrying out intelligence led searches and preventing the flow of contraband, including mobile phones, into the prisons.
In addition, there is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues including the operation of criminal gangs. Gardaí are also provided with reports detailing the release dates of this category of prisoner.