‘Asset profilers’ targeting criminals in Dublin’s inner city, Dáil told

Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan has confirmed “asset profilers’’ are targeting criminals operating in Dublin’s north inner city following the latest gangland murder, the Minister for Justice has told the Dáil.

Frances Fitzgerald said on Thursday said it was important to interrupt drug dealing and give a very clear message to local communities they were supported.

“Gardaí are obviously continuing with their prosecutions but are also looking at the assets of drug dealers in the area and indeed in other areas,’’ she added.

Ms Fitzgerald said she would urgently examine the legislation underpinning the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in order to make it stronger.

Replying to Opposition TDs, the Minister said she and Taoiseach Enda Kenny had a very useful meeting on Wednesday night with the commissioner and her senior officers.

“I do want to say to the House they are working night and day to deal with the appalling situation that we face in relation to gangland crime,’’ she said.

“And I do know they have the full support of this House in their efforts.’’

Ms Fitzgerald said the “ferocity and the intensity and savagery’’ of the gangs intent on killing one another was unprecedented.

“The gardaí have faced down criminal gangs and terrorists and have been successful before,’’ she added.