Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2015
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when crime categories are likely to be reviewed with reference to the need to ensure that all serous crime is particularly recorded to reflect its seriousness and frequency accurately. [2054/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the compilation and publication of crime statistics rests with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency.
Arising from the recent Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation, the CSO are carrying out a detailed analysis of certain issues raised by the Inspectorate in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime, to see whether and to what extent they may have implications for the crime statistics which that Office produces. This process is ongoing.
In addition, the CSO has also agreed to chair an expert panel to examine the Inspectorate's recommendations on crime statistics. The expert panel will review the crime counting and detection rules, as recommended by the Inspectorate, with a view to introducing new national standards. As well as including representatives of the Department and An Garda Síochána, the intention is that the panel will have outside experts with relevant expertise. Terms of Reference for this group are being drawn up at present.
I can also advise the Deputy that, while this work is underway, the Garda authorities have put in place a number of immediate measures arising from the Inspectorate's recommendations in relation to the recording of crime. In particular, these include the establishment of a new Data Quality Team in the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), as well as measures to strengthen PULSE governance arrangements. Work is also underway with respect to planning for the necessary investment in Garda technology to support the recording and management of crime information, and to bring outdated paper based practices into the 21st century.
I look forward to making progress on these issues, as part of the overall arrangements to take forward the wide-ranging recommendations of the Inspectorate, with a view to ensuring that we have a police service which is fully equipped to meet the needs of our society, now and into the future.
