Written Answers. - Crime Policy.
Derek McDowell
Question:
97
Mr. McDowell
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
whether he will apply the principle of zero tolerance to offences other than drug-related offences; whether he has studied closely the implementation of a zero tolerance policy in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21242/97]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
98
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions secured since July 1997 which have derived directly from the zero tolerance policy applied by his Department; the type or category of these crimes; if he has given instructions to the Garda authorities in connection with his policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21209/97]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
383
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
whether he has satisfied himself with the current results of his zero tolerance policy; the success or otherwise of this policy in relation to each of the main categories of crime; the proposals, if any, he has to modify or change procedures with his Department to maximise impact and realise targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21243/97]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
388
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the total number of serious crimes reported in the country since July 1997; if he has satisfied himself that the trend is in keeping with the objective he has set; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21258/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 98, 383 and 388 together.
The lasting effects of any Government's crime policies on the level of criminal activity within society has to be assessed over the long term rather than the short term. In the short term, the signs are promising, as evidenced by the continued overall drop in the number of reported offences, which are down by some 10 per cent since January last.
The thrust of the Government's zero tolerance approach to crime has three components. Firstly, a clear and determined focus on tackling those who are engaged in crime. Secondly, a determination that the law enforcement agencies will be properly equipped and resourced to deal with crime. Thirdly, a commitment to address, and where possible to ameliorate, the causes of crime.
There have been comments which have tended to take from the real meaning of zero tolerance. It has been suggested for example that it might mean sanction of imprisonment for minor offences taking no account of the seriousness or degree of culpability involved in the offence. There have also been suggestions that it would involve the Garda receiving some sort of direction from the Government on how to enforce the law. Needless to say, these comments are misleading and there is no question of this Government interfering with the fundamental process of law.
As regards the targeting of those engaged in criminal activity, I have already announced a series of measures involving practical initiatives and legislative changes. The practical measures include increasing the strength of the Garda Síochána to 12,000 and resourcing of crime-fighting initiatives in the Garda Síochána, as well as the provision of additional prison spaces. I have already introduced the Criminal Justice Bill, 1997 and further legislation will follow if required. I am satisfied that this major criminal law reform measure to clear practical evidence of the Government's policy of zero tolerance towards crime — particularly, but not exclusively, drug trafficking. The Bill contains a series of very strong measures which are, regrettably, all too necessary as a response to those who inflict such harm on our community.
I am confident that these measures taken together will be successful in dealing with all types of criminal activity.
My Department is aware of experience in other countries with different approaches to zero tolerance, and lessons will be drawn from these experiences taking due account of differences in legal systems, policing ethos and cultural values.
In relation to current crime levels, in general, statistics for 1997 have not yet been published but provisional figures, for the first ten months of 1997, indicate that there has been a significant decrease in crime when compared to the corresponding period last year.
