Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1062: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the provisional headline crime statistics for the Carlow-Kildare division for 2004 show an increase in headline crime of 50% when compared with the corresponding figures for 2000; if the detection rate has fallen in the Carlow-Kildare division from 36% in 2000 to 28.8% in 2004; his views on whether the Garda are under resourced in terms of manpower in the Carlow-Kildare division; if he will increase the number of gardaí in the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As I previously outlined to the Deputy in my reply to question No. 217 on Thursday, 23 June 2005 in respect of crime figures, on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to six per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts. In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy should also be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.

To give the Deputy a more comprehensive and balanced view following is a table outlining the headline crime statistics from 2000 to 2004 for the Carlow-Kildare division. I am pleased to note that the figures show a decrease in the headline offence of homicide from six in 2002 to nil in both 2003 and 2004. Also, the number of headline offences recorded in 2004 is less than in 2003. This is against a background of a large increase in the population of the Carlow-Kildare area.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 27 September 2005 is 333. This compares to a figure of 303 on 31 December 2000 and represents an increase of 10% in the personnel allocated to the Carlow-Kildare division. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered in the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

In respect of Garda resources generally, the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.