Update: Organised Criminal Gangs, 8th July 2015

QUESTION NO:  7

DÁIL QUESTION  addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)
by Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
for ORAL  on Tuesday, 7th July, 2015.    

 
  To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she continues to examine the activities of organised criminal gangs, with particular reference to their membership and their potential growth; the action taken, or proposed, to deter the growth of such gangs, with particular reference to discouraging young persons from becoming involved; if a particular strategy is to be employed in this regard; if proscription has been considered as an option; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

                                                            – Bernard J. Durkan

 
REPLY.

Tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána which is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015.

An Garda Síochána continues to vigorously tackle organised crime through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations.

An Garda Síochána also maintains close liaison with law enforcement agencies internationally which facilitates the prompt exchange of information and intelligence in targeting organised crime activity.

While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.  

I can also assure the Deputy that I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner with regard to all aspects of serious crime including the threat posed by organised criminal gang activity.  In addition, I maintain regular contact with my European colleagues through the work of the Justice and Home Affairs Council so as to address matters of shared interest and to enhance cooperation on criminal justice matters across the European Union.  

As the Deputy will also be aware there have been a number of very positive recent developments with regard to the overall resources available to An Garda Siochána including, for example, the recent allocation of a further €700,000 for new specialised vehicles to support Gardaí in responding to current and emerging crime threats, including those committed by highly mobile gangs.

As I have indicated previously in the House, the question of providing for an offence of membership of a criminal gang, in a manner similar to the approach taken in the Offences Against the State Acts with regard to membership of a proscribed organisation, has arisen from time to time. In this regard, it is important to understand the issues which arise in seeking to simply outlaw membership of a criminal gang in such a manner. Most significantly is the fact that a criminal gang is not likely to have the permanency of organisation and structure that a subversive organisation or more fixed group would have.

With regard to the question of discouraging young people from involvement in criminal activity, I can assure the Deputy that tackling youth crime continues to be a priority for this Government. My Department has responsibility for the Community Programmes Unit of the Irish Youth Justice Service which manages the Garda Youth Diversion Project Network nationwide.  

I was pleased to announce recently that additional funding has been secured by my Department under Dormant Accounts funding which will enable the network to be expanded and enhanced by approximately 18%. The funding has enabled me to approve the establishment of ten new projects in areas not previously served by this programme and to support the recruitment of additional staff to 16 existing projects in order to respond to higher levels of youth crime or to expand the geographical remit of the project.

Without doubt the Garda Youth Diversion programme continues to make significant inroads in targeting supports to young people in effectively diverting them towards more positive life choices and this planned expansion of the diversion project network will further assist in this regard.