asked the Minister for Justice the procedures which exist within his Department for the collation of statistics relating to crime, arrests and conviction rates; if he is satisfied that present statistics and research are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Collation of Crime Statistics.
18.
Statistics on crime are collated principally by the Garda Síochána and are published in the Garda Commissioner's annual crime report. In general, they provide a useful indication of the level of criminality which the Garda are required to tackle, and how successful they are in their task.
In the courts, a revised format for collecting statistics is being introduced in selected offices, on a pilot basis, over the next few months, with a view to full implementation next year if the pilot scheme proves to be successful.
Within my Department, the statistical information which forms the basis for the annual report on prisons and places of detention has been computerised recently. This has provided a limited but flexible databank about persons committed to prison, which is being used by researchers. A programme to computerise the entire record-keeping process in relation to prisoners is well under way, and is expected to be in operation in the latter half of the year. In this connection, an advisory committee, consisting of departmental representatives and outside experts who engage in research, has agreed draft recommendations on how to use this programme to best advantage in the collection and analysis of statistics.
Question No. 19 re-entered for oral reply.