I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 147 together.
Garda statistics for 1996 so far suggest that crime is decreasing as compared to the corresponding period last year. This reduction in crime applies to both the Dublin Metropolitan Area and the rest of the country. Even so the level of crime is too high and I share the general concern with it.
I have, therefore, made the tackling of crime in all its forms my number one priority and I recently announced a series of measures, both immediate and long-term, to help deal with it. These measures include the provision of a significant number of prison places over the next 18 months, the implementation of the Garda restructuring plan which provides for the creation of a regional command structure designed to improve the response to mobile crime, approval for the appointment of 15 new judges, steps to address the problem of drugs in prison and the management of addicted offenders, the early introduction of legislation in the criminal justice area and a new Garda Information Technology system.
Furthermore, in 1995, I established the Garda national drugs unit and the Garda National Bureau of Fraud Investigation. The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995 will improve the efficiency of the courts and speed up trials. In addition, at community level, I have funded many youth diversion projects and other schemes to engage youth and steer them away from crime.
I believe that these measures will make a major impact in tackling crime throughout the country.