John O'Donoghue
Ceist:2 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the measures, if any, she intends to introduce with a view to combating the threat of gangland criminals in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18916/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Gangland Violence.
I dealt with the general issue of crime in a response to a previous parliamentary question tabled by the Deputy in October 1995 and most of what I had to say then is equally relevant to the issue of so-called "gangland" violence. Setting out the precise nature of the problem and dealing with the fundamental causes are just as necessary when dealing with this specific type of crime as when dealing with the general crime problem.
I take it that the Deputy's question is tabled in the context of the recent killings and other violence perpetrated by criminal elements in Dublin. All these incidents are the subjects of detailed Garda investigations. In this regard, the Garda Síochána allocate optimum resources to the investigation of all murders. The primary task is to identify those responsible and to assemble evidence to support their prosecution. Special attention is also directed to the motivation involved.
The Serious Crime Squad at the Central Detective Unit gathers intelligence and information on all serious crimes, including murders. Every effort is made in the examination and collation of this material to establish if the crimes are linked in any way. This includes, in the case of murder, trying to establish if there is a common perpetrator for two or more offences. The Garda authorities are satisfied that maximum resources are deployed to solve all murder cases, including the identification of possible so-called contract killers. In addition, the Garda, on an ongoing basis, target and keep under surveillance persons suspected of involvement in serious crime.
It would appear that many of the incidents are related to the drugs trade, but until investigations are complete it is not possible to confirm this. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that I have already taken it as one of the cornerstones of our strategic response to the crime problem that we comprehensively tackle the drugs problem. Among the measures being put in place are the setting up of a Garda National Drugs Unit and the establishment of a joint task force comprising members of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the fight against drugs: the Garda, the Customs and Excise Service and the Naval Service. These developments will enhance our capability to hit the drug traffickers and, in this regard, special mention must be made of the operation which led to the biggest seizure of drugs in the history of the State at Urlingford last month.
In the light of the recent killings in Dublin, will the Minister consider establishing a specialised Garda squad comparable to the murder squad to zone in on this area of criminal activity? Does she believe that it is necessary to do this? Does she accept that the time has come for the Revenue Commissioners, in liaison with the Garda Síochána, to make inroads to the affairs of those whose lifestyles do not match their visible means of income?
There is a Serious Crime Squad at the Central Detective Unit. The new National Drugs Unit, which operates on a countrywide basis, will tackle crimes such as these perpetrated in different districts and counties. I am satisfied that the structures and resources available to the Garda Síochána are adequate.
On the wider question of targeting the drug barons, the package approved by the Government provides for the involvement of the Revenue Commissioners and the Customs service in liaison with the Garda Síochána. I am satisfied that progress is being made, although at times it will necessarily be slow. While some people think that the persons in question can be grabbed and locked up, the Garda Síochána still have to produce the evidence in court to secure a conviction. I share the public's frustration when they read about the activities of the crime bosses in the newspapers, but the justice system requires the gathering of evidence.
When this has been gathered prosecutions will be brought by the Garda Síochána.
Does the Minister accept there is a need to introduce legislation to provide for the ballistic testing of guns prior to sale or hire so that they may be subsequently traced?
Although that is a separate question I will consider the Deputy's suggestion. We already have strong gun laws under which licences may be issued by chief superintendents. The guns used in these crimes are not always capable of being traced as they are unlicensed.