Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The number of murders is a matter of concern to me and the Government. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 57 murders have been recorded to date in 2007, whereas 60 murders were recorded in 2006 as a whole. I have also been informed that 35 of this year's murders have been detected, which corresponds to a detection rate of 61%. Some 36 of the murders which took place in 2006 have been detected, which corresponds to a detection rate of 60%. The detection rate for murders in 2007, excluding those in which a firearm was used, is significantly higher at 78%. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murders to date this year involving firearms, most of which are attributable to so-called "gangland" or "organised" crime, is 17. This shows no increase on the figure for the same period last year. Therefore, the increase in the number of murders so far this year is not due to an increase in gang-related activity. Having said that, the level of such killings clearly remains a cause for great concern. Many murders involve acquaintances as victims and as perpetrators. It is regrettable that some killings stem from domestic violence. As the figures I have just given indicate, the Garda Síochána has an excellent record in apprehending the perpetrators in such cases. Detections in cases of organised crime are more difficult to achieve, however, as some people will stop at nothing, including killing others, to protect their drug or other criminal activity. Not only are they prepared to intimidate witnesses and their families, but they are also forensically very aware and skilled in destroying evidence.

The number of deaths involving knives is a cause for concern. We have strong penalties for offences involving knives, but we have to continue to get the message across to young people, in particular, that carrying around knives is dangerous and wrong. As part of its policing plan for next year, the Garda plans to launch an education and awareness raising programme aimed at discouraging people, especially young people and teenagers, from carrying knives. The force will also take rigorous action under the criminal law against people found carrying knives. A new agency, COSC, has been established to give priority to tackling the broad issue of domestic violence, with a particular objective of treating all instances of domestic violence as the appalling crimes they are. The Garda Commissioner has recently announced significant enhancementsto the way in which the investigation ofmajor crimes will be managed by the Garda Síochána.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

In addition to the recently announced appointment of 21 divisional detective inspectors and additional regional detective superintendents, a senior investigating officer will take charge of each serious crime investigation. Each serious crime will have a designated incident room co-ordinator. Over the lifetime of this and the last Government, we have significantly increased the strength of the Garda. The programme for Government reaffirms the commitment to a Garda strength of 15,000 by 2010 and commits the Government to increasing the strength of the force further to 16,000 by 2012. The Garda budget for this year stands at €1.44 billion compared with just over €900 million five years ago. This increase in resources is enabling the strength of the force to be increased and providing for high levels of overtime and increased civilian support. The force is pursuing an extensive programme of building, fleet modernisation, purchase of protective equipment and training. A major programme of investment in technology is under way, including a new national digital radio system, a major incident computer system and an automated fingerprint identification system. While we have seen extensive changes in the criminal law in recent years, I will introduce further legislative proposals, including a Bill to create a national DNA database. This will assist the Garda in bringing perpetrators to justice, including in cases of murder.

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