asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to deal with the serious escalation in crime levels, and particularly the level of violent assaults, revealed in the Garda crime figures for 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2904/03]
Written Answers. - Crime Levels.
20.
Joe Costello
Question:118 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to deal with the serious escalation in crime levels, and particularly the level of violent assaults, revealed in the Garda crime figures for 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 118 together.
While I agree that the recent figures, especially in relation to violent assaults, are a cause for concern, the fact is that they also reflect the increased activity on the part of the Garda Síochána in addressing this problem which has led to a greater number of offences coming to their attention. This is confirmed by the excellent detection rate of 75% in respect of assault and 86% in respect of homicide. The crime figures for 2001 underline the continued need for robust responses to offending behaviour and the need to readily adapt to changing levels and patterns of crime.
For example, although the current strength of the force is at an all time high we are prioritising Garda recruitment and training in order to bring it up to its authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible. In accordance with An Agreed Programme for Government, these extra gardaí will be assigned to areas of greatest need.
A new Garda powers Bill will be introduced giving substantial additional powers to the Garda in investigating serious crime. The new public order legislation which is currently going through the Oireachtas will greatly enhance the power of the Garda to deal with public order offences. The Garda will continue to target the menace of organised crime, particularly by means of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The Garda Operation Encounter came into force on 23 February 2002. It is focused on all issues of public order occurring in the community. Particular attention is paid to nightclubs, fast food outlets and other venues at which large numbers of people congregate and where there is potential for disorder. Additional Garda resources have been made available and plans drawn up by each of the regional commanders to prioritise the deployment of those resources. The target hours of the operation are determined locally, based on the specific circumstances prevailing in each locality. The Garda pay particular attention to ensuring that the owners and managers of premises are fully aware of their responsibilities and of the duty of care they owe to their patrons and other members of the public.
A sum of €38 million has been provided for prison capital projects this year. This follows on from the unprecedented expansion of over 1,200 extra prison places in the years since 1997.
The Government will continue to focus on youth crime by supporting and developing evidence based preventative measures and interventions aimed at young offenders and those most at risk of offending by implementing the outstanding relevant provisions of the Children Act 2001. I am also committed to continuing to support and strengthen the network of Garda youth diversion projects which increased in number from 12 in 1997 to 64 currently. The continued enforcement of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000 is also a useful weapon. It has resulted in 152 closure orders against licence holders up to 13 December 2002.