Bernard J. Durkan
Question:117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the degree to which zero tolerance procedures are applicable at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15737/00]
Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have outlined before in the House the three essential components to the Government's zero tolerance approach to crime – first, 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 and third, a commitment to address, and where possible to ameliorate, the causes of crime.
The Deputy should be aware that never in the history of the State has the Garda Síochána been better resourced or equipped and Garda strength is heading towards 12,000, an all time historic high. The Government is on target for increasing the capacity of the prison system by an unprecedented amount and its tough anti-crime policies are yielding the anticipated good results with a further fall of 5% in crime figures last year lead ing to a cumulative fall of approximately 21% since the Government came into office.
My policy for dealing with drugs and organised crime is well known: it is one of strong legislation backed up by tough enforcement to tackle drug dealing and trafficking. This policy has resulted in record drug seizures, many Irish based drug trafficking organisations being dismantled, major drug barons fleeing abroad and a high percentage of persons who are prosecuted being convicted and sentenced to prison.
The Garda Síochána has also enjoyed considerable success in its operations both at national and local level with an impressive record of seizures and an aggressive policy is being pursued by the Garda Síochána in obtaining evidence to bring drug traffickers before the courts. This has led to significant seizures of illegal drugs, the disruption of organised networks and the charging of major criminals.
It would be wrong to think, however, that I have just focused on the enforcement side of dealing with the crime problem. I am particularly pleased to have placed increased emphasis on measures to reduce youth crime and my Department has invested significantly in preventive measures such as the Garda youth diversion projects. There were just 12 in existence when I took up office. There are now 29, and I recently announced a further ten schemes as phase one of the expansion programme funded under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. I intend to expand these projects further over the coming year.
Finally, the Estimates recently published by the Government for the year 2000 show that for the first time ever, spending in the Justice area, will exceed £1 billion. As the Deputy will appreciate, this level of investment is unprecedented and will pay dividends in the years to come in the fight against crime.