Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 42, 149, 152, 154. 156.- Organised crime [38238/11]

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 42, 149, 152, 154. 156.- Organised crime [38238/11]. (01 Dec 2011)

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42.  Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in the course of the current appraisal of Garda stations and staffing levels throughout the country, he will ensure that adequate resources remain to provide for the maximum possible level of Garda cover in all areas throughout the country, with particular reference to the need to continue relentless pursuit of the activity of criminal gangs; if he will have regard for the known areas in which such gangs have previously concentrated, notwithstanding current or expected financial constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38007/11]  

149.  Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that adequate resources are available to him to enable the Garda to continue in its actions against organised crime; if all of the necessary legislation is now in operation; if further legislation is needed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38233/11] 
 
151.  Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to An Garda Síochána to facilitate the maximum level of activity, including surveillance, intelligence and prosecution, against criminal gangs with a view to a maximum level of attrition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38235/11] 

156.  Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is in a position to ensure the highest possible level of Garda activity remains directed against criminal gangs operating in urban and rural environments, regardless of any budgetary constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38240/11] 

154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the necessary resources remain available to the Garda to ensure the maximum level of activity against drug gangs; if such resources will remain available as required in the future. [38238/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):  I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 149, 151, 154 and 156 together.
 
It is the case that, as with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána is going to have to manage with reduced resources and I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 31 October 2011, on the latest date for which figures are readily available was 14,099. Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and the situation is kept under continuing review to ensure optimum use is made of all resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
 
An Garda Síochána pro-actively targets groups and individuals engaged in organised criminal activities. To this end, An Garda Síochána is committed to the use of intelligence-led operations and tactics, including those of specialist national units. As a result of these operations a number of individuals (including members of criminal groups) are before the Courts charged with serious offences. The monitoring of such groups is ongoing and kept under constant review. Members of An Garda Síochána continue to utilise all available legislation, including the additional legislative provisions introduced by the Oireachtas in 2009 which amended the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 relating to organised crime. Multi-disciplinary approaches, such as the Criminal Assets Bureau, are also utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted.
 
Written Answers - Organised Crime
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 748 No. 4

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