asked the Minister for Justice the percentage increase in the crime rate during the past year in this country according to police reports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crime Rate.
18.
Provisional figures show that the number of indictable offences committed in the year ended 30th June, 1975, which was 44,508, represents an increase of 11.5 per cent on the figure for the previous year, which was 39,901.
We get a number of documents and I wonder could the Minister ask the Garda Commissioner to ensure that every Member of the House gets a copy of the report? There is one in the Library but we cannot all study it there. Perhaps it would be possible to give each of us a copy.
I will have that arranged.
In view of the 11 per cent increase in the crime rate, does the Minister think this is an appropriate time to cut down on overtime work by the Garda?
The Deputy assumes there is a connection, but that is not something which may be assumed. Crime rates fluctuate up and down from year to year within a reasonable degree of fluctuation. As the question asks for figures on a global basis, I have given overall figures for indictable crime. That includes many offences which could come under the category of vandalism. There could be a rash of vandalism which could inflate the figures and give a wrong impression of the crime situation.
This is a series of questions dealing with men on the beat, overtime, and improved policing which I think is necessary and which apparently the Minister thinks is not.
I did not say that at all. I said the Deputy was assuming a connection between two things which is not necessarily proven. The whole operation of the Garda is being surveyed at the moment. I will not take any ad hoc decisions on increased recruiting until I have the results of that survey. It is taking into account the structure of the force, its numerical strength and its deployment. These are basic matters and I should like to have the result of the full analysis which is being carried out at the moment before any policy decision is taken.
When does the Minister expect the report?
It is expected in June, 1976.
Deputy O'Connell represents my constituency and I am sure he will agree there is serious disquiet in parts of our area.
We are having a statement now. Question No. 19.