That is why I sought and obtained Government approval last year to the establishment of an expert group on crime statistics to ensure that public confidence can be maintained in the validity and legitimacy of official crime statistics generally. Members of the expert group, which I established in January, represent the following bodies, including my Department: the Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service, the Central Statistics Office, the National Crime Council and the academic community, particularly criminologists. I also appointed an independent chairperson, Mr. David Kennedy, former chief executive of Aer Lingus, to chair the group.