Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the review or assessment, if any, carried out in relation to the various categories of crime; whether an indication has been given as to an increase or decrease in particular areas; whether there has been an increase or decrease in regard to unsolved crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11484/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Crime statistics and information regarding detection rates are published in the annual reports of the Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The most recently published report is in respect of 1996, during which there was a decrease of 2 per cent in the number of indictable offences recorded as compared to 1995. The detection rate increased from 30 per cent in 1995 to 41 per cent in 1996. The report contains information on a national, regional and divisional basis. The annual report for 1997 will be published later this year.

I should of course explain that, as a matter of ongoing practice, my Department is regularly provided with up-to-date provisional crime figures by the Garda Síochána. While these are provisional figures, it is fair to say that, by and large, they compare very closely with the final figures which eventually find their way into the published crime reports.

The latest provisional figures available to me suggest that, in the 12 month period up to the end March 1998, overall crime fell by 14 per cent with total crime in the Dublin Metropolitan Area down by over 20 per cent. Regrettably the number of reported rapes continues to increase. I am also advised that, at a national level, there has also been a substantial decrease in burglaries and larcenies, both from the person and from vehicles during that time.

The assessment of trends in crime and the development of local strategies to prevent and detect crime are, of course, important operational matters. The Garda Síochána hold regular conferences at regional, divisional and district level, as appropriate, to share information, to develop strategies and to provide for effective operational management and co-ordination of service.