asked the Minister for Justice when the crime figures for 1988 will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crime Figures for 1988.
1.
The Commissioner's Report on Crime is usually published in July each year. The Garda authorities have informed me that the report for 1988 will be published shortly.
It was with some concern that I learnt a few weeks ago of various figures quoted in the written media and on radio and television about increases in crime in 1988. Therefore, it is obvious that the figures and all the necessary detail are available. Would the Minister not agree that it is far better to produce a report early so that we can base policy decisions on actual facts as distinct from waiting until well into the second half of the year before making these details available to us?
I agree with the Deputy that it is important to have the final figures available as early as possible. The figures which are mentioned from time to time are provisional figures relating perhaps to particular areas. They are not final figures and that is one of the problems. Figures for a particular area may be discussed on a provisional basis. I would agree that the figures should be available as early as possible.
I trust that, as the reports of the massive increase in the rate of crime are late, the Minister is not holding back the document on the basis that we are facing into a general election.
Policy matters do not arise on this question.
I can assure the Deputy there is no question of anything of that sort. From my understanding of the provisional figures, while crime has increased in some areas, it has decreased significantly in other areas. The Deputy will be very familiar with the areas where the Garda have been placing their main concentration of late.