Vol. 513 No. 4
60 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of armed robberies reported to the Garda in the final three months of 1999 and to date in 2000; the amounts of cash stolen in each case; the amount of cash recovered; the number of arrests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2560/00]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that during the last quarter of 1999 there were 48 armed robberies and that the amount of money taken was in the region of £470,000. I am also informed that 37 persons were arrested in respect of these offences and that over £12,000 was recovered. I am further informed that the comparable figures for 2000 to date indicate that there were 34 armed robberies and that approximately £110,000 was taken. I understand that 28 people were arrested in respect of these crimes and that almost £13,000 was recovered. These statistics are provisional and may be subject to change.
Over the longer term, however, the available statistics indicate a strong and sustained decrease in armed crime in recent years. The level of armed crime in 1998 was approximately 40% of the 1995 value. The statistics also show that the detection rate over those five years has risen from 28% in 1995 to 40% in 1998. The Minister is concerned about armed crime, but the most recent statistics available indicate that current levels are still well below those of 1995 or 1996. The Minister is concerned with the recent increase in armed crime and has raised the matter with the Garda Commissioner.
(Mayo): Does the Minister of State accept that 34 armed raids in the first four weeks of this year is totally unacceptable compared to the already high level of 48 armed raids in the last three months of 1999? Does she accept that, rather than zero tolerance, it shows a growing tolerance? The vast majority of such cases do not even feature in newspapers. Apart from expressing horror, dismay and worry, are there any plans to meet the Garda Commissioner and work out a strategy to curb such crimes?
The statistics on the number of armed robberies are contained in a table which I can make available to the Deputy. It shows that there were 179 armed robberies in 1994, 171 in 1995, 152 in 1996, 88 in 1997 and 61 in 1998.
That sounds like zero tolerance to me.
I indicated the changes in the latter part of last year and the early part of this year.
The number is moving downwards.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is concerned about the upward trend in armed robberies in recent months.
The trend is upwards.
It is important to note that the level is still significantly below that in 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Say that again, Minister.
Although it is significantly below those figures—
It is tempting to observe that maybe more armed robberies were carried out by the Government.
As indicated by Deputy Higgins in his question, the Minister has already spoken to the Garda Commissioner specifically about the matter.
The answer is no.
There is less crime than there was when the Opposition was in office. They are sickened.
Six murders?
The Minister has spoken to the Garda Commissioner.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
