The Garda Comissioner has announced the creation of the Special Crime Task Force to tackle gangland crime.

Gardaí say it will adopt "an intelligence-led, focused and targeted approach in respect of individuals and groups engaged in organised crime".

The Task Force will be coordinated by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

Earlier, the justice minister Frances Fitzgerald said there will be "no let up" in the fight against gangland crime.

The comments from Min. Fitzgerald came as the cabinet agreed to new measures in an effort to clamp down on criminal gangs.

Under the new laws the Criminal Assets Bureau will be have the power to freeze assets immediately if they may be the proceeds of crime.

It will also be able to seize cash sums over 1,000 euro if they may be connected with crime.

Frances Fitzgerald says it's important to show a tough response to organised crime: