(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Justice the number of armed robberies in Dublin city in 1976; and the number of arrests made in connection with them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Armed Robberies.
19.
The information available relates to robberies and attempted robberies in which firearms were produced. The number of such incidents in the Dublin Metropolitan Area in the year 1976 was 108. So far in 46 cases detections were made by the Garda resulting in 78 persons being charged.
(Dublin Central): Could the Minister give any figure as to the value of the property involved and the amount of money stolen?
I have not got that information. If the Deputy wishes to put down a separate question I will get it for him.
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister repeat the number of convictions?
I said that so far in 46 cases detections were made by the Garda resulting in 78 persons being charged. Investigations are continuing into the other cases.
Do I take it that 108 was the figure given by the Minister for armed robberies?
That is right.
Is the Minister aware that in most cases when armed robberies take place people are intimidated and told that if they report the matter to the police they will be burned out or bombed out? The figure given by the Minister is not a true indication of the number of crimes. People are crying out for justice and for support in the areas in which they live.
I am satisfied the statistics I have given are accurate and truly reflect the position and that the Deputy's suggestions are quite ridiculous.
They do not. It is outrageous that the Minister should mislead the House in this fashion.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
Is the Minister suggesting that the total number of armed robberies in Dublin was 108? Is he satisfied that there could be a number of unreported robberies because of intimidation?
I have no evidence whatever that people are not reporting robberies.
There is a breakdown in law and order.
Community law and order is at an end as distinct from national law and order.
Deputies opposite are doing their constituents no service by suggesting there is a breakdown in law and order.
Does the Minister want us to cover up the situation?
I want Deputies opposite to be responsible in this matter and not give the impression that law and order has broken down and criminals can have an open house.
Unfortunately that is what we are being told by our constituents.
(Interruptions.)
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day of the Dáil. That is the end of Question Time. Next business.