(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Justice the number of armed hold-ups to date in 1974; and the number of arrests made in connection with these offences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Armed Hold-Ups.
40.
(Cavan): I assume the Deputy is referring to robberies or attempted robberies in which firearms were used. The number of such crimes in the period from 1st January, 1974, to 6th December, 1974, was 120. In 37 cases detections were made by the Garda and a total of 65 persons have been charged to date.
(Dublin Central): How many of those people have been convicted to date?
(Cavan): I do not think I have that information. The question covers the period from 1st January, 1974 to 6th December, 1974, and it would be reasonable to assume that all the cases would not have been disposed of. I told the Deputy that 65 persons have been charged. I have not got the information as to how many cases have been disposed of.
(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree that this is a huge number of robberies and has the Minister for Justice any proposals to counteract this type of thing?
(Cavan): I certainly agree that it is an alarming number of robberies. I can only say that the Garda Síochána are pursuing those people to the very best of their ability and it is to be trusted that they will get full co-operation from the public at large.
They are all out checking the speed limits.
(Cavan): There is not much point in asking a question and not allowing me to answer it. Perhaps if co-operation was coming from the general public to a greater extent this sort of activity could be ended.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister insinuating or implying that the public are not co operating with the police?
(Cavan): I am not but it is difficult to get 100 per cent or anything like 100 per cent co-operation in this sort of activity. The Deputy will appreciate what is involved.