Vol. 455 No. 8
298 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the lack of public confidence in the manner in which the escalating levels of crime in our communities is being addressed; the manner in which she proposes to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13179/95]
Provisional figures for crime for the first six months of 1995 compared with the first six months of 1994 show a welcome drop in certain areas of the country but they also show an increase in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. I am informed by the Garda authorities that this increase is largely attributable to an increase in larceny from motor vehicles. More importantly, however, I am informed that many of the more serious categories of crime, such as burglary and robbery with firearms, show a significant decrease over the period. While the overall picture, therefore, is not as presented by the Deputy, there is clearly no room for complacency.
The Government is providing the Garda with the necessary resources, in terms of personnel and equipment, to deal with the various issues confronting them, including serious crime.
A total of £413 million is being provided for the Garda Siochána this year — the highest amount ever. The allocation of an amount of this magnitude will be of assistance to the Garda in the fight against crime by enabling the following measures to be taken:—
— The recruitment of 1,050 gardaí over the next 3 years.
— Replacement of the Garda Fleet on a 5 year basis.
— Implementation of an information Technology plan for the Garda Síochána.
— Upgrading the Garda Communications Network.
— Installation of Closed Circuit Television Cameras to combat crime in certain area.
— Further development of community based measures in area of disadvantage.
I am confident that these measures together with legislative changes and other strategies such as the broadly based plans I have announced to combat the importation of drugs provide for a comprehensive considered response to the problem of crime in our society.
