Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note what the Deputy says. I find continually depressing claims made by the GRA regarding the incapacity of the Garda Síochána to deal with issues of crime. It would be appropriate for it to, on some occasions, acknowledge the enormous success of the force and its own members. I have detailed some of those successes this morning. As a representative body, the GRA has an important role to play. However, it generates a misconception on the part of the public as to the capacity, expertise and successes of the force and contributes to public alarm by making people unnecessarily concerned about the capabilities of the force.

For some time we have had a continuous stream of information, objectively provided by the Central Statistics Office and not subject to any political interference of any description and which could not be validly challenged by any Deputy, which indicates there has been a substantial reduction in crime. The figure in this regard for the most recent 12 month period for which we have statistics is 17,500. There have been reductions across 12 of the 14 categories, and where there have been increases, these have been very small. I believe people should be responsible. This applies to individuals and organisations when addressing this issue. I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner and his leadership and the steps being taken with regard to addressing issues of criminality, which requires a targeted approach as opposed to a generalised approach. The targeted approach of the force with regard to identifying particular areas of crime, those who are suspected of engaging in crime, the prevention of crime and speedy arrest of individuals who have committed serious crimes is clear evidence of this.