Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

347 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has evaluated the impact of the zero tolerance policy; the result, if any, of this evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/99]

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

I have outlined before in the House the three essential components to the Government's "zero tolerance" approach to crime. First, a clear and determined focus on tackling those who are engaged in crime. Second, a determination that the law enforcement agencies will be properly equipped and resourced to deal with crime. Third, a commitment to address, and where possible to ameliorate, the causes of crime.

As regards the targeting of particular criminal activity, the Deputy will be aware of the Criminal Justice Act, 1999. This is a flagship measure in my extensive programme of criminal law reform, and further proof of the Government's zero tolerance approach to crime – an approach which all the available evidence vindicates, not least the unprecedented reductions which have been taking place in the crime area. An aggressive policy is being pursued by the Garda Síochána in obtaining evidence to bring drug traffickers before the courts. This has led to significant seizures of illegal drugs, the disruption of organised networks and the charging of major criminals.

I recently established the State's first ever national crime council to continue this open approach to crime policy development, and I will also be publishing a White Paper on crime and the criminal justice system in 2000 to address the priority issues for the future.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently launched the independent Courts Service, that I am pursuing a similar course of action in relation to the prisons service. As the Deputy may be aware the process of implementing the recommendations of an SMI review of the Garda Síochána is also under way. Never before have these components of the criminal justice system been the subject of such fundamental review.

The estimates recently published by the Government for the year 2000 show that, for the first time ever, spending in the justice area, will exceed £1 billion pounds. As the Deputy will appreciate this level of investment is unprecedented and will pay dividends in the fight against crime.