Vol. 531 No. 5
97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a noticeable increase in sexual crimes especially domestic violence, sexual assault and date rape in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/01]
I am informed by Garda authorities that the statistics requested by the Deputy are published in the annual reports of An Garda Síochána, which are available in the Oireachtas library. The most recent year for which statistics have been published is 1999. Although full statistics for the year 2000 have not yet been finalised, I understand that provisional Garda figures for the year indicate a significant increase in the number of rapes which, of course, is a matter of considerable concern. The position in relation to the offences referred to by the Deputy is kept under continuous review.
