Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
552 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the supports in place for visitors to Ireland who fall victim to crime; the number of visitors that were victims of crime in recent years; the nature of the crime; the efforts that were made to leave the victim with a positive impression of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20522/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for services supporting victims of crime is provided through the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. Since its inception in 2005, the Commission has allocated €409,600 in funding to the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS). The Irish Tourist Assistance Service offers immediate support and assistance to tourist victims of crime while visiting Ireland.
There are no official statistics available in relation to the number of visitors to this country who were victims of crime. However, I understand that since its inception in 1994, that ITAS has assisted over 11,000 tourists. The majority of these tourists continued their holiday after ITAS intervention. According to ITAS's Annual Report for 2011, they assisted 251 visitors who were victims of crime in Ireland in 2011. 65% of the crimes committed against these visitors were theft against the person, 6% were burglary and 21% were theft from either private or hired cars, giving a total of 92% for theft and burglary offences.
