asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on current levels of crime, lawlessness and vandalism; and the proposals he has for dealing with high levels of crime being recorded at present.
Written Answers. - Crime Problem.
39.
While the level of crime in our society remains a matter of great concern, I am happy to put on record the fact that the level of recorded indictable crime decreased by over 10 per cent during the period 1984-85 and that preliminary figures for 1986 indicate a further reduction of the order of 5 per cent. This downward trend is distinctly encouraging. There can of course be no relaxation of the efforts to deal with our crime rates which still remain at too high a level. I can assure the House that tackling the problem is one of my priorities and that the gardaí will continue to have the full support and backing of the Government in their efforts to further reduce crime levels.
I do not consider that it would be appropriate in the course of a reply to a parliamentary question to outline in any detail the various measures being taken to deal with the crime problem. However, I can say that, in general terms such measures include optimum deployment of Garda manpower, the improvement of Garda operating systems and procedures, the provision of more modern equipment for the force, and the development of appropriate strategies for the involvement of the community in the fight against crime.