Jim Higgins
Ceist:54 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of deaths of persons in violent circumstances to date in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2630/00]
Priority Questions. - Murder Statistics.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of deaths of persons in violent circumstances to date is six. Detection has yielded results in four of these cases. I am also informed that a number of persons have been charged and are awaiting trial and that a number of files have been submitted to the law officers and their directions are awaited. I cannot be more specific than this and I am sure the Deputy will understand that I do not wish to say anything that may prejudice the outcome of Garda investigations or future prosecutions in any of these cases.
While they see a tendency in some drug dealers to become associated with firearms, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied there is no evidence of a major increase in the number of firearms on the street. While it would not be safe to speculate as to the motives behind these crimes the Minister has continued to afford the highest priority to targeting drug trafficking and related criminal activity. The Deputy will be aware of the Criminal Justice Act, 1999. It is a flagship measure in the Minister's extensive programme of criminal law reform and further proof of the Government's zero tolerance approach to crime—
I think that phrase has been dropped.
—and the continued aggressive policy which is being pursued by the Garda Siochána to bring drug traffickers before the courts. As the House knows, this has led to significant seizures of illegal drugs, the disruption of organised networks and charging of major criminals.
The Minister spoke to the Garda Commissioner following the recent deaths of the two young persons whose bodies were discovered in the canal and he assured the Commissioner that whatever resources he may require would be made available to him to bring to justice the perpetrators of these and other heinous crimes. The Garda Commissioner informed the Minister that no effort would be spared to solve these crimes.
(Mayo): Does the Minister of State accept that six murders in the first month of the millennium is totally unacceptable and significantly above average? If this trend continues for the year, there will be a record number of gangland killings. Does she accept that in the wake of the 11 gangland killings in Dublin last year, something needs to be done? Does she accept there is a huge criminal sub-culture in Dublin and much of it is drug-related which leads to drug feuds? Guns are readily available and the main actors have no hesitation in abducting, shooting and dumping their victims, or gunning them down in their pubs or cars. This is Dublin in 2000 not Chicago in the 1930s – we are meant to be culturally advanced, affluent and civilised. What is being done to curb these crimes which are spiralling out of control?
According to the Garda there is not any evidence that firearms are more freely available than previously. As the Deputy will appreciate, while the term "gangland killing" is widely used by the media, it does not correspond to the manner in which the Garda Siochána classify crime. The Garda authorities have indicated that organised criminal gangs may have been involved in a number of these murders. I assure the Deputy that the Minister is prepared to consider the introduction of any additional legislative measures, if so requested by gardaí, to tackle this type of serious crime.
The Deputy asked about statistics – I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 1997 and 1998, the last years for which Garda statistics were published, 38 murders were recorded and 34 were detected in each year. The number of murders recorded in the past two years is lower than the number recorded in 1996 and 1995 which was 43 and 42, respectively. The detection rate has also improved. In 1995, 43 were recorded and 32 detected and in 1998, 38 murders were recorded and 34 detected. 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 1998 is approximately 1.05 per 100,000 of the population, which is among the lowest in Europe.
As it was before Deputy Wallace became Minister of State.
I can give the Deputy statistics on manslaughter.
Zero tolerance plus six so far.
(Mayo): Is the Minister of State aware that drugs are the real problem? The chairman of the Ballyfermot Drugs Task force recently said the number of drug addicts, which was 13,000 two years ago and 15,000 last year has increased further. Is the Minister of State aware that teenagers are hooked and “chasing the dragon” because heroin is so cheap and that one person in every 25 in Ballyfermot is on drugs? Supply has increased because drugs are cheaper and there is a huge drug economy which has not been tackled. Irrespective of policies and resources, we are failing badly. Is it time to go back to the drawing board? As regards non-drug related violence outside Dublin, is a public debate merited so we can discuss what we can do about the culture of violence which is increasingly prevalent?
The Government is fully aware of the impact of drugs on local communities and in this context the problem has been targeted as a priority by the Garda and other statutory agencies. The Minister is aware that the twin problem of drugs and crime cannot be solved by law enforcement measures alone. Accordingly, his policy is one of strong legislation backed by tough enforcement and full participation in a multi-agency partnership in the communities most affected. There have been legislative changes, including the Criminal Justice Act, 1999, and changes in enforcement, including, at national level, the establishment of the Garda National Drugs Unit which has seized drugs with a street value well in excess of £100 million.