Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 4

Written Answers. - Murder Statistics.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

74 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice the total number of murders recorded during the first four months of 1995; the comparative figure for the same period in 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9809/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested is as follows:

Period	No. of Murders
1 January 1995 to 30 April 1995	12
1 January 1996 to 30 April 1996	17

I am assured by the Garda that every possible effort is made to bring the perpetrators to justice. The detection rate for such offences is normally high. It is important to note that the above figures are provisional and, subject to the outcome of Garda investigations and or directions from the law officers, a number of these cases may be subsequently re-classified as manslaughter, etc.