As I have indicated in response to previous similar questions, the Minister for Justice has primary responsibility for tackling the problem of crime, including crime against tourists. My colleague has, in the past, outlined measures to address the problem of crime generally. In response to a Dáil question on 15 May last she indicated that the issue of crime against tourists received the highest priority from her Department and the Garda authorities and outlined measures taken in co-operation with Bord Fáilte and tourism interests to ensure that crimes of this nature are minimised to the greatest possible extent.
The level of crime against tourists is extremely low by international standards. For example, Department of Justice figures for 1994 show a total of 3,120 crimes against tourists or 0.80 per cent of the total tourism numbers of 3.63 million, predominantly petty crimes e.g. theft from parked cars, etc. Last year a survey carried out by "WHICH" magazine showed that Ireland had the fourth lowest theft rate of 44 countries surveyed.
There is no acceptable level of crime and it is essential that tourists who fall victim receive as much support as possible. This is provided primarily through the Tourist Victim Support Service, which was set up in 1994 and operates from premises provided by the Department of Justice in Harcourt Square, Dublin. Bord Fáilte provided £10,000 this year towards the service which provides emotional and practical support, such as assistance in replacing passports, travel documents, travellers cheques, etc. to tourist victims, who must be referred to it by the Garda. Benefit-in-kind rather than direct financial aid is provided by the tourism industry. This includes emergency accommodation, travel tickets, clothing and toiletries, meal vouchers etc. The service has a full-time co-ordinator and some 30 volunteer staff with a range of foreign languages and specialist training in tourist victim support. The success of the service to date is reflected in the rising level of support it receives from the business community and the positive feedback from tourists that it has assisted.
Finally, it must be remembered that crime is a worldwide phenomenon and while Ireland is a safe and friendly destination people should take reasonable precautions as they would in any other country.