Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Costello. I note the point the Deputy makes and I acknowledge the concern. I send many letters to the Deputy providing a lot of statistics, through parliamentary questions and the likes. Often, we have to say that we have to get the data and then revert to the Deputy. I acknowledge the concern behind the amendment.

The provision in section 77 of the Bill hopefully addresses the Deputy’s concerns. This section requires the Garda Commissioner to ensure that statistical information concerning offences, criminal proceedings and the state of crime in the State is compiled, stored and made available to the Central Statistics Office, CSO, and the Minister at such times and in such a manner as the Minister may require. That is a clear legal provision for the Minister of the day to request in whichever manner they may require any data and statistics relating to offences, criminal proceedings and the state of crime in the State. The issue the Deputy may be referring to is probably more an administrative one in making sure that gets compiled efficiently for a Deputy when he or she requests it. I am satisfied that section 77 of the Bill provides the legal provision that the Deputy wishes to see in the legislation.