Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

39. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for the Dublin western metropolitan region are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in the Dublin western metropolitan region have access to the PULSE system; if not, the details of the stations without access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34735/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As I said, the availability of PULSE is not a prerequisite for the recording of Garda crime statistics. Some 92% to 93% will go through the GISC in Castlebar, and this applies to the Deputy's area as well as others. I have given the breakdown in the Deputy's area. Regarding the point he made about crime statistics, the Garda Inspectorate noted the CSO's report on the review of the quality of crime statistics. The report reiterated issues that were found in the report of the Garda Inspectorate on crime investigation and there were various issues, including the non-recording of crime, misclassification of crime, unjustified downgrading of crime to a less serious offence and the incorrect recording of detections. We cannot tolerate poor recording practices and we must work continuously to ensure they are improved.

Since November 2015, there has been a new Garda Síochána crime management system in place, and it was introduced to address many of the issues which the Garda Inspectorate report identified. We have a variety of initiatives such as the changes in Garda management in terms of the recording of statistics. We have the new procedures, which have been circulated to all members to use, so the recording of crime is more accurate. There is an increased awareness of the importance of the issue. At the request of the House, the Policing Authority is providing independent oversight of the police. The CSO recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2016 show important reductions in property crime over the 12 months ending in June 2016, confirming the success of the Garda strategy under Operation Thor, with burglary reduced by 26%, robbery 11%, theft 12%, homicide 3.2%, weapons offences 11.7% and public order 5.1%. This has been confirmed in the crime and victimisation survey. Significant challenges remain in various areas. There is an ongoing effort by the Garda Síochána to combat crime. We want to give the Garda the resources to do it, and this and the previous Government have been doing it.