Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 1

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

133 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the publicity surrounding the recent increase in crime in the Kilkenny city area which gives serious cause for concern, he will arrange to have additional gardaí appointed and measures put in place to prevent further serious incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21933/99]

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

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the current personnel strength of Kilkenny Garda station as of 31 October 1999 is 57 members (all ranks).

The Garda authorities have also informed me that the crime figures relating to Kilkenny Garda station are outlined as follows:

Year	Recorded	Detected	% Detected
1996	642	292	45%
1997	573	305	53%
1998	611	323	53%

It can be seen from the above figures that there was a reduction in crime – coupled with an increase in the detection rate – in the period 1996 to 1998. Provisional statistics for the year to date also indicate a substantial reduction in crime in the area so far this year. I also understand that most of the recorded serious crime has been detected to date.

According to the Garda authorities, over the past number of months every effort has been made to try and apprehend the main culprits involved in crime. This has been done by targeting the individuals in question and setting up special patrols in the city centre and in estates. These measures have proved effective with many of the key criminals presently in custody. The official marked Garda car allocated to Kilkenny Garda station is also utilised in patrolling the area.

I have been further informed that the situation in relation to Kilkenny will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Kilkenny Garda station will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of the other Garda districts throughout the country.