Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

We must never lose sight of the fact that regardless of whether crime figures show a decrease or an increase, they represent victims and those close to them whose lives have been adversely affected by a criminal act. There was an increase in headline crime in 2007 of 1.7% but this must be seen against the background of the unprecedented rise taking place in our population. Taking this increase into account, the level of crime has reduced from 27.8 crimes per 1,000 population in 1996 to 26 in 2003 and 24.2 in 2007. I have been informed the overall Garda detection rate for headline offences for 2007 was 41%, up from 40.4% at the end of 2006. With regard to 2007, the increase in the number of homicides from 67 to 84 was a particular cause for concern. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that in 2007 the detection rate in the case of murder was 68% and in the case of manslaughter, 100%. I should note that the detection rate for crimes committed in a particular year, by its nature, increases over time as Garda investigations progress.

I commend the Garda for the fact that the number of murders involving the use of firearms which are predominantly gangland related was significantly reduced, from 26 in 2006 to 18 in 2007. The Government has no greater priority than bringing gangland killings to an end and to bring those involved in gangland activities to justice. In the last while we have seen a number of successful operations carried out by the Garda Síochána to deal with gangland crime and I am sure all Members of the House will join me in commending the force. Tragically, however, there was a doubling of the number of homicides involving stabbing, from 18 in 2006 to 36 in 2007.

The 2008 policing plan reflects the policing priorities which I have determined for this year. Among them is the targeting of the use of knives for violent attacks. The plan includes a commitment to a publicity campaign directed at this problem.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Some killings stem from domestic violence. In response to this and the challenge posed by such violence, we have established the COSC — a new executive office within my Department — to give priority to the issue of domestic violence, with the particular objective of treating all instances of domestic violence as the appalling crimes they are.

I welcome the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the number of drug detections: an increase of 58.5% in the rate of detection of the cultivation, manufacture and importation of drugs and an increase of 19.7% in the rate of detection of the possession of drugs for sale or supply. Whereas the numbers of drugs detections add to the overall crime figures, in reality they represent the level of Garda activity and success in tackling the drugs menace and reflect a sustained and comprehensive set of Garda operations throughout the State. Some 0.7% of the 1.7% increase in headline crime in 2007 is accounted for by such drugs detections.

I am aware that complex issues surround the willingness of victims to report sexual offences but, nevertheless, I am pleased to note that the figures show a reduction in the overall number of sexual crimes, which is down 10.7%. The number of burglaries decreased by 5.4% in 2007, which represented 22% of all headline crime. Increases in the level of burglary, theft from shops and theft from MPVs largely account for the rise of 6% in total headline crime which took place during the fourth quarter of 2007. The Commissioner has informed me that strategies are being devised by assistant commissioners with the aim of taking immediate remedial action in these areas. I also welcome the continuing positive trend in the number of robberies of an establishment or institution, down 26.5%, for example, and robbery of cash or goods in transit, down 35% during the year.

I am determined to ensure the Garda Síochána is provided with the necessary personnel and equipment. For this year I secured a Garda budget of over €1.6 billion. This is an unprecedented investment in policing and represents an 11% increase on the budget for 2007. With regard to the number of members of the force, the Government commitment to increase Garda strength to 15,000 by 2010 remains on target.

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