Update: Combatting Criminal Gangs, 8th July 2015

QUESTION NO:  259

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

 
  *  To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that will be taken, by way of existing or new legislation, to combat the activities of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

                                            – Bernard J. Durkan

 
REPLY.

Law enforcement efforts in tacking organised crime are underpinned by a comprehensive framework of criminal law measures.

This framework includes the more recently enacted provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 focusing on criminal organisations, the measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 relating to evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance and the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to the use of weapons.

This body of legislation has been supplemented further by the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, which provides for the establishment of a Database which will have the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist Gardaí in investigating a whole range of serious offences.

The detailed and technical secondary legislation required to facilitate commencement of the 2014 Act is currently being finalised with a view to having the database operational as soon as is possible. 

In addition, a comprehensive review of the Proceeds of Crime legislation is underway with a view to identifying possible improvements which would serve to strengthen the operation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.  

Furthermore,  new upcoming legislation that will also assist in the fight against organised crime includes the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill, the Criminal Justice (Bail) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill.

I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that all necessary legislative provisions are in place to fully support the operational actions of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime.