Two new offences - directing a criminal gang, and involvement in criminal activity - are among a package of proposed measures aimed at tackling gang-related crime.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern will bring the proposals before Cabinet tomorrow.
The move comes after thousands of people marched in Limerick yesterday in protest at ongoing gang violence.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Ahern said he wanted the powers used to combat terrorist organisations to be similarly applied to criminal gangs.
He also proposes creating a new offence of directing a criminal gang, along with an offence of involvement in criminal activity in association with a criminal gang, with a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Mr Ahern said the aim was that such offences would be tried in the Special Criminal Court and that it would be more difficult for suspects to be awarded bail.
He added that it was hoped to introduce post release supervision similar to that used for sex offenders.
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny said he welcomed the fact that the Government was now 'belatedly' intending to implement new anti-crime measures.
Speaking in Limerick, Mr Kenny said the Government was playing catch up, as 'Fine Gael had proposed these measures six months ago'.
Thousands attended the rally in Limerick yesterday against criminal activity.
The march was organised by Steve Collins, the father of murdered businessman Roy Collins.
The 34-year-old was shot in an amusement arcade attached to the family pub in Roxboro on 9 April.
