Written Answers. - Crime Levels.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
244
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he has studied crime figures for the past four years; if his policy on zero tolerance is reflected therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32442/01]
I am pleased to report that the crime figures compiled by the Garda Síochána show a 22.9% decline in indictable crime between 1996 and 2000. This is a clear vindication of the policies pursued by me since taking office.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have outlined before in the House the three essential components to the Government's "zero tolerance", – that is implementation of the law of the land – 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; and third, 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 5.8% of the prison population currently. I am satisfied that the contribution which this has made to reducing indictable crime statistics is clear and irrefutable.
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 64 and funding has been secured for them under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
