Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Crime Statistics.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

62 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders reported to the gardaí since the beginning of 2000 and since the beginning of the year 1999; the numbers of these which were regarded as gangland killings; the number of cases in each category in which charges have been brought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15441/00]

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

As the House is aware, indictable crime statistics can be found in the annual reports of An Garda Síochána, 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 have not yet been formally published, I am informed by the Garda authorities that provisional statistics for that year indicate that 38 murders were recorded, and proceedings have been commenced in 24 of these cases.

I understand that, as of 30 May 2000 of the 21 murders recorded this year proceedings have commenced in 11 cases. I should emphasise that these figures are provisional, and subject to change as Garda investigations progress. The annual report of an Garda Síochána will contain the final figures in respect of 1999 when it is published later in the year.

In relation to the motivation behind these crimes, while the term 'gangland killing' is widely used by the media, it does not correspond to the manner in which Garda Síochána classify crime. All murders are the subject of exhaustive investigation by the Garda regardless of the circumstances of how they occurred. The House will appreciate that I do not wish to jeopardise the successful investigation and prosecution of these serious crimes by making any comment as to the motives that lay behind them, as the identification of the motive and the gathering of evidence of these crimes are key elements of the investigation and prosecution functions.