Garda Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016

Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Questions (175)

Michael McGrath

Question:

175. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints recorded by An Garda Síochána of attempts to blackmail businesses as a result of the business' computer system being hacked, including situations where the businesses' computer system had been maliciously infected with a virus in each of the years from 2010 to 2016 to date; the number of convictions for this crime; the penalties available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21230/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I am advised that the relevant categories of recorded crime are not disaggregated in the manner sought by the Deputy and therefore this information is not available from the CSO.

To be of assistance I have asked the Garda authorities to provide any relevant information which might be of assistance in relation to matters referred to in the Deputy's question. I will contact the Deputy again when I have received a response from the Garda authorities.