Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Crime Levels.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

558 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin is one of the most violent cities in the EU with over 30 murders per year; and the practical plans he will put in place to deal with this crisis. [7997/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I see no basis for the Deputy's claim that Dublin is one of most violent cities in the EU. The most recent comparison of international crime statistics published by the UK Home Office shows that over the years 1998 to 2000, the average homicide rate in the capital cities of the European Union was 2.48 for every 100,000 of population. The comparable figure for Dublin is below the European average, at 2.19.

In addition, a recent Safe Survey by Mercer Human Resources Consulting ranks Dublin 18th for personal safety out of 215 cities worldwide. Neither is it correct to state that over 30 murders per year are committed in Dublin. The following are the number of murders recorded by the Garda Síochána for the years 1998 to 2002. The figure for 2002 is provisional and subject to change.

Year	Murders Recorded
1998	24
1999	22
2000	12
2001	19
2002	28

As can be seen in the above table, 30 murders have not been recorded in the Dublin metropolitan region in any single recent year.

I see no justification for the Deputy's reference to a crisis. However, I assure the House that I am determined to use every available means to combat crime in all its manifestations and that I will continue to ensure all the necessary financial, legislative and manpower resources are devoted to the fight against crime.