Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015
236. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way Operation Obair is providing a targeted and integrated approach to criminals involved in committing burglaries in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27179/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my previous replies to the Deputy in relation to Question No. 442 of 24 March, 2015 I outlined the Garda operational response to the issues raised by the Deputy as well as the legislative initiative which I am taking in relation to burglary crime.
In relation to the specific operational details and plans being used to target criminals in County Louth, the Deputy will appreciate these are matters for the Garda authorities and it would not be appropriate for them to be discussed publicly. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Obair was launched in each Division in the Eastern Garda Region in April 2012. The primary objective of Operation Obair is to disrupt and prevent mobile and organised criminal groups from committing criminal offences, to apprehend suspects in the commission or the attempted commission of offences and to fully investigate, detect and, where possible, prosecute any offences outstanding against these suspects. Operation Obair is the specific burglary related operation which is in place in the Eastern Region to support the national operational strategy targeting burglary crime under Operation Fiacla. This approach provides both a preventative and detection element, and focuses on geographical areas and specific targets. Targeted offences include; burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery, possession of house breaking implements, possession of stolen property and trespassing. I am advised that, as of 30 June 2015, Operation Fiacla has led to the arrest of 13,736 persons with charges being brought against 7,828 persons nationally.
Under Operation Fiacla Gardai utilise the full range of specialist services available including the Garda Síochána Analysis Service, the Criminal Assets Bureau, Money Laundering Investigation Unit and Organised Crime Unit, as well as Forensic Science Ireland. This approach is supported by local core policing units, including community Gardaí, traffic corps and detective units, supported by the armed Regional Support Units and the Emergency Response Unit. Measures are also in place to target the use of motorways by criminal gangs and to disrupt and arrest those involved. In this regard I recently announced additional resources for new specialised vehicles to support an enhanced operational response by Gardaí to current and emerging crime threats, including burglary offences being committed by highly mobile gangs and I remain in ongoing contact with the Commissioner in relation to these matters.
