Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2018
146. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a case (details supplied) in view of recent revelations regarding discrepancies in allocation of homicide figures being incorrectly categorised as accidental or suicide. [6280/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda investigation of the case to which the Deputy refers is currently the subject of an inquiry established under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 which is conducted by His Honour Judge Donagh McDonagh. Given the independence of this Inquiry, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter further.
In the context of the homicide statistics, I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is working in consultation with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to resolve an issue which emerged in relation to the classification of homicide offences. The expert oversight by the CSO of crime statistics is welcome in order to ensure that we can have confidence in the official crime statistics and can tailor our policies accordingly.
I, along with officials from my Department, met with representatives from the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána today to discuss the progress being made on this important issue. Earlier this week, I also discussed this issue with the Garda Commissioner during the course of one of our more general meetings.
Please be assured that my Department remains in close contact with the CSO, An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority to resolve the issues that have been identified.
