Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct in saying that aggravated burglaries in 2011 amounted to 333, the same figure as in 2010. The number was higher in 2009 at 368. The crime of burglary, whether ordinary or aggravated, forms part of the focus of this operation. Like Deputy Calleary, I am aware that for any individual whose home is burglarised it is an extremely traumatic event. One burglary is one burglary too many. There is no ideal number. The current Garda operation is directed at focusing on individuals known to be engaged in gangs and who concentrate on different parts of the country. On occasions a series of burglaries are committed within a particular area by one group of individuals. I hope that by the end of this year - I am conscious I am making myself a hostage to fortune in this regard - the success of this operation in 2012 will result in 2013 in a reduction in the number of burglaries. I join with the Deputy in congratulating the Garda Síochána on its outstanding success in 2011 in reducing crime across a broad range of areas.

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