Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is absolutely essential that the public has confidence in the statistics emanating from the Central Statistics Office. There are no statistics more important than those coming from An Garda Síochána. The force enjoys huge public support and there is a recognition that gardaí are currently under inordinate pressure in terms of resources and that morale is probably at an all-time low. Nevertheless, it is crucial, as I said, that the statistics provided by the Garda in respect of crimes reported, solved and remaining unsolved should stand the test of public scrutiny.

I welcome the Minister of State's indication that we will see a return to normal by the end of June in terms of the provision of crime statistics by the CSO. Will he clarify the type of analysis that is going on and the types of problem that have given rise to this deferral until late June?

See this speech in context