McDowell targets crime gangs with tougher laws

ORGANISED crime gangs in Dublin, Limerick and Cork will be the first targets of wide-ranging legislation planned by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Following the collapse of the Liam Keane murder trial last month, Mr McDowell is proposing legislation which:

Will make it an offence "to knowingly participate in, or contribute to, the activities of a criminal organisation for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the organisation to commit an indictable offence".