Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 7

Written Answers. - Increasing Crime Rate.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she has evidence of an increase in the crime rate; if she has satisfied herself as to the sufficiency of Garda strength to deal adequately with the problem, with particular reference to drug pushing, rape, car theft, armed robbery and other crimes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that official figures for 1992 are not yet available. However, the most recent indications are that while there was a slight increase in crime last year this was significantly less than the increase in the previous year and indicates that the various measures and initiatives which have been taken are proving effective. As the House will be aware a wide range of plans have been implemented on the Garda operational front and the various community based initiatives which have been introduced continue to make a widely recognised contribution towards dealing with crime problems in particular areas. There has also been a very substantial commitment in the form of increased resources, as well as a range of significant developments on the criminal law reform front.

In considering the problem of crime it is important to realise that dealing with it involves not only a law and order response, important though this is. It is now widely recognised that a broadly based response to the problem of crime in modern urban societies is required.

The proposals contained in the report of the Inter-departmental Group on Urban Crime and Disorder which I will be submitting to Government will assist in the formation of such response. In addition, all members of our society have a responsibility for the development of a consciousness in our society which reflects the unacceptability of crime in any form and those who can influence and/or have responsibility for the formation and care of young people have a special role to play in this respect. I am glad to say that the growing awareness in the community of the important role the community has to play in the area is reflected by the increased involvement of the public in community based crime prevention initiatives. However, I also intend to ensure that the Garda have the necessary resources to deal with the problem. The present strength of the Garda Síochána stands at 10,965 and it is planned to maximise on the number of existing gardaí available for outdoor operational duty through a continued programme of civilianisation, accelerating the intake of recruits and the increased use of information technology.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner recently published the Garda Corporate Strategy Document 1993-97 which sets out the requirements for the Force to deal effectively with the challenges it faces over the next 5 years or so. This document is being examined in my Department at present and I and the Garda Commissioner have invited views from interested parties on the document. When these views are to hand and when I have had an opportunity to consider them a definitive document will be drawn up which I intend to put before the Government for approval to implement the various recommendations on a phased basis.

The Garda monitor the crime situation closely and constantly review and adapt their strategies to deal with the problem. In drawing up strategies to deal with the situation Garda resources are specifically targeted to meet specific anti-crime needs in particular areas and particular types of crime such as those mentioned in the Deputy's question and appropriate policies and measures are introduced.

I am satisfied that the Garda response to the problem of crime is proving successful. The crime situation is being kept under constant review by the Garda authorities and they and I will ensure that all appropriate action will be taken to ensure that the problem is effectively tackled.