Vol. 510 No. 1
5 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Taoiseach the reason for the delay in publishing the results of the crime module contained in the October to December 1998 quarterly household survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21084/99]
A module on crime and victimisation was included in the quarterly national household survey in the three month period from September to November 1998, inclusive. The module, which included more than 50 questions, will provide valuable information on the incidence and nature of crime and on people's perceptions of crime and safety issues.
The CSO had previously indicated that it hoped to publish the results of this module in the middle of this year. However, it has taken longer than anticipated to prepare the crime figures for publication. This is because the office has, of necessity, concentrated this year on improving the timetable for collecting and publishing the quarterly labour force figures. Staff changes and the need to give priority to technical development work on the survey have also contributed to the delay. I understand the crime figures will be available in mid November.
