Bernard Durkan
Ceist:275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent of the membership of criminal gangs currently incarcerated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51938/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 21 October 2021
Ceisteanna (275)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there are currently 112 prisoners in custody associated with known organised criminal gangs currently serving a sentence or awaiting trial.
These figures excludes the subversive prisoners in Portlaoise Prison.
Membership or allegiance of these criminal groups fluctuates on a continuous basis with some persons breaking links and others becoming affiliated on a daily basis.
It is also the case that prisoners will not always declare their affiliation to certain groupings and it is therefore not possible to provide definitive numbers in relation to the number of members of criminal groupings currently in custody.
It should also be noted that more than one criminal gang may group together under the umbrella of a particular group and in some instances some gangs may form splinter groups due to family or in house disputes.