Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Jim Higgins

Question:

237 Mr. Higgins (Mayo): asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders and armed robberies to date in 2000; the number of each for the same period in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7053/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Indictable crime statistics can be found in the annual reports of An Garda Síochana, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The most recent annual report details the crime statistics for 1998. While Garda crime statistics for 1999 and 2000 have not yet been formally published, I am informed by the Garda authorities that from 1 January to 3 March this year, ten murders have been recorded. This compares with six during the same period the previous year.

Some 57 armed robberies have been recorded so far this year, as compared to 24 for the same period last year. I should stress that these figures are provisional and are liable to change.

I am satisfied that the current arrangements for the investigation of murder and manslaughter cases is satisfactory and I am informed by the Garda authorities that all such crimes are investigated to a conclusion.

While it is of no consolation to the families of those who have died in violent circumstances, the House will be interested to know that the murder rate is among the lowest in Europe.

With regard to armed robberies, the available statistics indicate a strong and sustained decrease in armed crime in recent years, with the level of armed crime for 1998 approximately 40% of the 1995 value. The statistics also show that the detection rate has also risen from 28% in 1995 to 40% in 1998. Naturally, I am concerned about armed crime, but the most recent statistics available indicate that present levels are still well below that of 1995 or 1996.