The acting Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says "whatever resources are necessary" will be used to fight gangland crime in Dublin.

She and acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny have met with senior officers of An Garda Síochána.

The two were briefed on progress in investigations into recent gang-related murders in Dublin, including those involving armed units.

These include  visible policing, the use of armed checkpoints and targeted and intelligence-based operations.

They were also briefed on progress in establishing an additional, dedicated armed support unit for the capital - which was first announced in February.

Ms Fitzgerald said: "The recent cycle of gang violence is shocking and disturbing. The loss of life, including the life of those who played no part in gang related feuds, is intolerable".

"We will not let the safety and good name of our capital city be dragged down by the violence and thuggery of these gangs".

"However long it takes"

"I have assured An Garda Síochána that they have the full support of the government in their efforts to disrupt gang-related crime and they will continue to access all resources necessary, including extensive overtime, to support them in delivering concentrated visible policing measures to tackle gang-related crime".

"There is absolutely no question of any reduction in the resources or overtime being made available to gardaí to counteract gang-related crime", she said.

"Recent appalling events should not cause us to lose sight of the fact that An Garda Síochána have in the past successfully faced-down gangs who believed they were above the law".

"Nor should we underestimate the difficulties they face in counteracting the activities of members of gangs determined to kill each other in a cycle of vicious and mindless violence".

"But, however long it takes, and whatever resources are necessary, the State will take all measures open to it to bear down on the deadly activities of gangs", she added.