Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
438 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of murder in which firearms were used in respect of each year from 1998 to date in 2007; the number of such cases in which prosecutions for murder were initiated; the number of such cases where convictions were secured; if he is satisfied with the level of detection and conviction in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22757/07]
View answerThe following table shows the number of murders recorded, detected, proceedings commenced and convictions which involved the use of a firearm for the years 1998 to 2006 and in 2007.
|
Year |
Recorded |
Detected |
Proceeding Commenced |
Convictions |
|
2007 (to 3 October) |
13 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
2006 |
27 |
10 |
5 |
0 |
|
2005 |
21 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
2004 |
9 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
|
2003 |
20 |
11 |
4 |
2 |
|
2002 |
10 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
2001 |
9 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
|
2000 |
12 |
7 |
6 |
2 |
|
1999 |
12 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
|
1998 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Figures for 2007 are provisional, operational and liable to change.
All incidents of murder involving firearms are subject to a rigorous investigation. The identification of all evidence available is a key element of the investigation and prosecution process. I am assured that all resources necessary, including national specialist units, are deployed by the Gardaí in the investigation process.
Operation Anvil is central to the strategy of the Garda Síochána in combating serious crime and in particular murder. Operation Anvil continues to provide successes in this area. Figures which I received from the Garda Commissioner recently show that from its beginning in May 2005 to 9 September last, 768 firearms have been recovered, 37,437 searches for drugs have taken place and over 70,000 checkpoints established. These figures make clear the unrelenting nature of the activity being undertaken by the Garda Síochána to deal with these crimes.
In addition the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been strengthened to 70 persons and is tasked with targeting organised criminals and disrupting criminal networks by providing armed assistance during planned operations and searches against those persons suspected of being involved in organised criminal activities.
A package of crime investigation initiatives was recently launched by senior Garda management. These include the establishment of a crime training faculty at the Garda College, Templemore to provide a professional, comprehensive training programme for those charged with the management of serious crime investigations. Senior Investigating Officers will also be appointed. These will be key personnel who will take charge of serious crime investigations. Incident Room Co-ordinators will manage serious crime investigation incident rooms, and specialist victim interviewers will interview persons under 14 years of age or with special needs who are victims of sexual crime.
Additional Divisional Detective Inspectors will be appointed and will be allocated on the basis of one per District in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and one per Division outside the DMR. The appointments of Regional Detective Superintendents, who will be responsible for the investigation of serious crime, were also announced. Pre-screening and competency based interviewing have been commenced as part of the selection process for Detective Gardaí and Sergeants. This will enhance best practice and procedures in the investigation of serious crime.
A Major Investigation Management System will also be developed to provide a PULSE based management system for all serious investigations.
As a result of the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 the Garda Síochána are in a much better position to ensure that those involved in gun crime will be made accountable for their actions. The Act intensifies further the fight against gangland activity by:
making it more difficult to get bail in drug trafficking, firearms and other serious cases;
having tighter controls to monitor post-release activity by introducing monitoring orders and protection of persons orders;
having enhanced penalties for those who reoffend within 7 years of a previous offence;
giving further guidance on the application of mandatory minimum sentences in cases of drug trafficking and firearm offences, while fully respecting the discretion and independence of the judiciary;
providing for indefinite retention of fingerprint samples;
extending detention periods in the case of certain very serious offences; and
updating the law on the right to silence.
Yesterday I met senior Garda management who briefed me on ongoing intensive operations to counteract the menace of gun crime, including Operation Anvil and CAB's efforts against drug dealers. I assured the Commissioner that unprecedented resources would continue to be provided to support them in their efforts. I wish to reiterate my call for all members of the community to support An Garda Síochána in their efforts to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
