The Justice Minister says Dublin’s gang war is an “unprecedented situation” and needs a “zero tolerance approach”.

Frances Fitzgerald requested extra funding to tackle the Hutch/Kinahan feud at a Cabinet meeting this morning.

A special garda task force will be set up to tackle gangland crime with extra powers to work with Social Protection and Revenue officials.

Frances Fitzgerald wants wider powers for gardaí, including the setting up of a mini Criminal Assets Bureau.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “It’s making sure you have zero tolerance in relation to drug dealing on the streets.

“I want to strengthen the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau so that they can seize assets more easily from criminals.”

Sinn Féin has welcomed the ‘zero tolerance’ approach, with their Waterford TD, David Cullinane, saying it is necessary.

He said: “We have no difficulty whatsoever in the State and all the other resources of the State, including the resources of the Garda Síochána, being deployed to have what I call ‘in your face’ policing.

“I think that’s justified, these people cannot operate in the way that they are.”