Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Mary Upton

Question:

103 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders reported since the beginning of 2003; the number of these that are regarded by the Garda as gangland killings; the steps being take to deal with gangland violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23389/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murders recorded and detected in 2003 as of 10 October, the majority of which are currently under ongoing investigation, is as follows:

Year	Recorded	Number of Murders Detected
2003	39	21

All incidents of unlawful killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of a rigorous investigation by the Garda Síochána.

With regard to concern regarding recent gang-related deaths, the term "gangland killing" or "organised crime" is widely used by the media in referring to the nature of certain serious crimes, including a number of unlawful killings. It is often qualified by the suggestion that the victim was "known to the Garda". While this speculation is understandable, it does not correspond to the manner in which the Garda Síochána classifies crime or individual offences. It does not influence or deter the Garda from their investigation of these crimes.

I have had a number of meetings with the Garda Commissioner and other senior Garda personnel to discuss crimes which might be put in the category of gangland or organised crime. I am satisfied that the necessary resources, both financial and operational, are being directed towards the containment and detection of such serious criminal activity. I have also confirmed to the Garda authorities my willingness to consider any further measures which they feel would assist in addressing this problem.