Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2004
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times leaders or activists in criminal gangs have been questioned, arrested or detained in the past month, having particular regard to the well publicised activities of such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6500/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that there is continual analysis of criminal intelligence by specialist units. It allows for a varied Garda response to particular trends in criminal activity. It is not the practice or policy of the force to comment on operations carried out by specialist national units.
Garda management adopted a strategy of tackling organised criminal groups through targeted intelligence led operations. They yielded excellent results during the past year and covered several areas of criminal activities, including armed robberies and trafficking in illicit drugs. When such operations are launched by the force arrests are made where warranted.
