Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

38 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that crime statistics are collected to indicate trends in rural and urban areas in view of fears of the public that crime increasing in rural areas cannot be proven or disproven in the Balbriggan Garda district in view of the fact there is no breakdown of reported crime on a rural and urban basis. [4921/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Balbriggan, in common with most Garda districts, includes both rural and urban locations. Crime levels throughout Garda districts are monitored for trends by Garda management in its effort to prevent and detect crime. I am assured by the Garda authorities that increased crime in any location, whether rural or urban, is the subject of appropriate attention by the gardaí.