Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Dublin Crime Statistics.

Ivor Callely

Question:

77 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the crime statistics for each Garda sub-district in the Dublin area and the total number and category of crimes recorded and detected for the years 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986 and 1991; if he has satisfied himself with the performance of the Garda in combating crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

Statistics on recorded indictable crime are compiled by the Garda authorities on a divisional basis. In the Dublin Metropolitan Area there are five divisions and information in relation to recorded indictable crime in each of these divisions is published in the Garda Commissioner's Annual Report on Crime, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. A breakdown on a sub-district basis is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.

Of course tackling crime is my highest priority as Minister for Justice and I have had regular consultations with the Garda Commissioner on the crime problem as it manifests itself in this country. I am satisfied that no effort has been spared by the Garda authorities in drawing up, reviewing, assessing and improving their anti-crime strategies. These strategies include the assignment of additional resources to deal with crime problems in different areas, including the stepping up of Garda activity on the streets, the use of uniformed and plainclothes patrols on foot and in marked and unmarked cars and covert surveillance of known criminals and areas of high criminal activity. The Garda are being fully supported in this work by me and by the Government as is evidenced by the extensive resources and support provided to them and by my ambitious programme of legislative reform which will assist the Garda in their anti-crime efforts.

I am pleased to say that the indications are that the Garda strategies are proving effective. Indications so far this year would suggest that crime in the Dublin Metropolitan Area has fallen by comparison with the same period last year. The situation is however being kept under continual review.