asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in respect of the past five years (a) the number of illegal explosions resulting in damage to property, (b) the number of people arrested in connection with such explosions, (c) the number of people convicted, (d) the sentences imposed, (e) the number of persons on bail and (f) the length of time each person has been on bail; and what action the Government is taking to deal with the increasing number of such explosions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Explosions.
42.
The figures sought are being compiled by the Garda Síochána and I shall forward them to the Deputy when available.
As for the last part of the question, the prevention and detection of crime are functions of the Garda Síochána and I do not propose to disclose measures taken by the Garda Síochána in their efforts to combat what all responsible people recognise as a serious problem.
What does the Minister mean by the word "combat"? There have been from 15 to 20 explosions in the last year and not one single person has been arrested. It is well known in Meath, in Westmeath, in Kerry, in Limerick and in Wicklow who the people and the members of the organisation who are responsible for those crimes are and not one single person has been arrested.
That is not so. There are many cases where crimes are committed by people and where the Garda are morally certain of the identity of the culprits but where they cannot bring a charge against them because they have insufficient legally admissible evidence. That is a well-known fact.