Bernard J. Durkan
Question:146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the application to date of the zero tolerance policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21003/00]
Written Answers. - Zero Tolerance Policy.
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, which are a clear and determined focus on tackling those who are engaged in crime, a determination that the law enforcement agencies will be properly equipped and resourced to deal with crime and 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 leading to a cumulative fall more than 20% since this Government took 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 by the Garda Síochána, with many Irish based drug trafficking organisations being dismantled and major drug barons fleeing abroad with a high percentage of persons who are prosecuted being convicted and sentenced to prison.
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 39, and I intend to further expand the programme in the future under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006.
Finally, the estimates 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.