Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
766. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána has sufficient resources to deal adequately with the challenges of organised criminal gang activity; if the need for any particular assistance has been identified in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46241/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation, that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána, as of the 30 September 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 13,159 Garda members, 1,129 Garda Reserves and just over 2,000 civilians. The Garda Síochána is committed to vigorously tackling organised crime through the undertaking of a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. The Policing Plan for 2013 reflects this priority, which involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau. These units are also supported, as required, by the Security and Intelligence Section which assists with the provision of intelligence briefings and timely information. I can assure the House that I am committed to supporting the actions of the Garda Síochána in combating organised crime, including through keeping under review the legislative framework underpinning their capacity in this regard.
