Written Answers. - Zero Tolerance.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
97
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the extent to which the zero tolerance principle is currently applied by him in respect of the administration of law and order; the way in which this affects the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25852/00]
As the Deputy may be aware, I have outlined before in the House the three essential components to the Government's zero tolerance – implementation of the law of the land – approach to crime. These are a clear and determined focus on tackling those who are engaged in crime; a determination that the law enforcement agencies will be properly equipped and resourced to deal with crime; and a commitment to address, and where possible to ameliorate, the causes of crime.
The Deputy should be aware that never in the history of the State has the Garda Síochána been better resourced or equipped. Garda strength is heading towards 12,000 which will be an all time high.
When I came into office in 1997, I was facing a situation where almost one in five prisoners were on temporary release. Literally hundreds of prisoners were being released each week because of lack of prison places, to relieve chronic overcrowding, and to maintain order in the prisons. As a direct consequence of my prison building programme, the number on temporary release has plummeted to 7.5% of the prison population in June this year. I am satisfied that the contribution which this has made to reducing indictable crime statistics is clear and irrefutable. As the House is aware crime rates fell again last year by 5% and we have seen a cumulative fall of over 20% since this Government took office.
My policy for dealing with drugs and organised crime is well known: it is one of strong legislation backed up by tough enforcement to tackle drug dealing and trafficking. This policy has resulted in record drug seizures by An Garda Síochána, with many Irish based drug trafficking organisations being dismantled and major drug barons fleeing abroad with a high percentage of persons who are prosecuted being convicted and sentenced to prison.
It would be wrong to think, however, that I have just focused on the enforcement side of dealing with the crime problem. I am particularly pleased to have placed increased emphasis on measures to reduce youth crime and my Department has invested significantly in preventive measures such as the Garda youth diversion projects. There were just 12 in existence when I took up office in 1997: there are now 51 and funding has been secured for them under the National Development Plan 2000-06.
Finally, the estimates published by the Government for the year 2000 show that for the first time ever, spending in the Justice area, will exceed £1 billion. As the Deputy will appreciate, this level of investment is unprecedented and will pay dividends in the years to come in the fight against crime.
