asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the growing concern throughout the State at the general increase in crime; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to reduce the crime rate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crime Rate.
34.
During recent years there has been a steady upward trend in crime figures. The increase in crime is a world-wide phenomenon and we in this country appear to be affected less than a great many other countries about which information is available to us.
The causes of crime and the best ways of combating it are difficult and complex questions that cannot be dealt with adequately by way of a reply to a Parliamentary Question. In fact there are divergent views as to causes and methods of prevention amongst expert bodies under the auspices of the United Nations Organisation and other international bodies and a great deal of research in that regard is going on in which my Department participates. I would refer the Deputy to what I said on the subject in opening the debate on the Estimates for my Department on 21st November last.
Briefly, what I said was that it is essential that we keep under constant review the allocation of Garda man-power so that maximum resources will be available in these areas where the need is greatest and we must also make a constant effort, within the limits of our financial resources, to make available the best possible transport and communication facilities so as to equip the Force as well as possible to discharge their duties with maximum efficiency.
In view of the fact that indictable offences increased from 17,700 in 1964 to 23,104 in the year ended 30th September, 1968, and in view also of the fact that the detection rate for crime is only 68 per cent in this country and that the authorised strength of the Garda force at the end of September, 1968, was 3 per cent below its authorised strength has the Minister any plans for increasing the Garda force in order to help to have a higher detection rate for crime and in order to try to prevent this increase in crime which is causing great concern?
In recent times exceptional demands have been made on Garda strength. We have had organised crimes like bank raids and malicious injury to a number of properties which, directly and indirectly, make severe demands on Garda time. In addition there have been disorderly street demonstrations on a number of occasions. Large numbers of gardaí have had to be diverted from their ordinary duties on these occasions. Sooner or later the public must come to realise that the existing Garda force of 6,500, which is costing the taxpayer something like £11 million per annum, can cope only if and so long as the actions of irresponsible and criminal elements, who go all out to promote disorder on every occasion, are seen for what they are and treated accordingly by all and sundry. There has been a tendency in the press to glamourise some of these petty criminals. The fact is they are costing the taxpayer a lot of money and taking up a lot of Garda time. The quicker this is appreciated by the people in general the better and more effective results we will get from the Garda force.
Has the Minister any definite plans? There is widespread fear among people employed in banks and among people in business that these armed robberies will continue. There has been a large increase in stabbings, in hatchet attacks and other vicious attacks and adequate precautions will have to be taken to allay the fears of ordinary decent people going about their business.
I have referred to the steps that are being and have been taken and also to the fact that there is this wave of organised crime.
Is the Minister satisfied that the present Garda force in the Dublin area is adequate?
As the Deputy is aware. I have announced that a complete examination of the whole police structure is being undertaken by those concerned. I think the end result, with the new equipment which we have procured, will make the force adequate.
While I have every sympathy with the Garda Síochána, it is a bit thick that the Minister for Justice should suggest in this House that every street demonstration is carried on by "irresponsible and criminal elements," his own words. It ill becomes the Minister.
It is a sign of the times that the Deputy and some of his friends should be extolling these people in this House.
That is a lie from the Minister. I did not extol these people in this House.