Vol. 499 No. 5
38 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives, if any, he has taken or proposes to take to combat the most recent spate of shootings, stabbings, armed robberies and assaults; if he has sought or received any reports or communications with a view to addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3032/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, there has been a very marked reduction in reported crime over the past two years. The 1998 crime figures were the second lowest since 1987. I think this is evidence that the Government is delivering on its commitments and that its policies are working.
The Deputy has raised a broad range of issues in his question, not all of which are necessarily related or amenable to the same response. I am informed by the Garda authorities, however, that all incidents of shootings, stabbings, armed robberies and assaults which are reported to the Garda are the subject of investigation. The situation in respect of these offences is monitored by district and divisional officers and, where appropriate, initiatives and patrols are put in place to address the issues involved.
If the Deputy has any specific queries he can write to me and I will have them looked into.
