Vol. 506 No. 2
368 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the particular directions, if any, he has given arising from the unprecedented number of killings in the past two years; his views on whether any specific action is warranted in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15499/99]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in both 1998 and 1997, 38 murders were recorded and 34 were detected in each year. The number of murders recorded over the past two years is in fact lower than the number which were recorded in 1996 and 1995, which was 43 and 42 respectively. I note with satisfaction that the detection rate has also improved. In 1995, for example, of the 43 murders recorded, 32 were detected. Last year, however, of the 38 murders recorded, 34 were detected.
The manslaughter statistics for 1998 show a significant reduction on the previous year's figure. In 1998, six manslaughters were recorded, all of which were detected. This compares to a total of 16 which were recorded and detected in 1997.
I am satisfied that the current arrangements for the investigation of murders and manslaughters are satisfactory and I am informed by the Garda authorities that all such crimes are investigated to a conclusion. While it is of no consolation to the families of those who have died in violent circumstances the House will be interested to know that the national murder rate for the year 1998 is approximately 1.05 per 100,000 of population, which is among the lowest in Europe.
