Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
170. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on Garda Operation Woven; if this operation is still active; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30770/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Garda authorities for a report on the matter raised by the Deputy and I will contact him directly when the Garda report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I am now informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Woven is an ongoing strategic operation of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau targeting Organised Criminal activities. I am also informed that due to the sensitive nature of this live operation the Bureau is not in a position to comment further as doing so could compromise the integrity of the operation and may impinge on any future criminal proceedings.
As you know, An Garda Síochána continue to make important arrests in various locations around the country, as well as the seizure of illegal drugs and proceeds of crime as a result of Garda operations. These strong anti-crime measures are supported by the very significant investment in policing made by this Government. For 2017, I was pleased to secure afurther €71.5 million for Garda overtime which will facilitate the continuation of large-scale policing operations including those targeting gangland crime and burglary.
Underpinning these measures is the Government’s intention to increase Garda numbers to 15,000. While in the short term substantial funds are being made available for overtime, measures are being considered to accelerate the planned Garda recruitment programme, along with the recruitment of further civilian and specialist staff. In 2017 an extra 800 Gardaí will berecruited as well as 500 civilian staff to ensure that the service is renewed and has the capacity to provide visible, responsive and effective policing to every community throughout the country.
