Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders in which firearms were used, the number of such cases in respect of which proceedings were initiated, the number of such cases in which murder convictions were secured in respect of each year since 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35731/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murders in which firearms were used in respect of each year from 1998 to 2004 are set out in the following table. I am informed by the Garda authorities that murders involving the use of firearms tend to have lower conviction rates than other murders. This is not unique to Ireland. The number of violent deaths, murder and manslaughter, recorded in 2004 is 45, the lowest number recorded in ten years, despite our population increasing by 400,000 during the same period. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the highest priority is given by the Garda Síochána to the investigation of murders and the detection of those responsible.

As the Deputy is aware, the Director of Public Prosecutions is statutorily independent in the performance of his functions and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment on his decisions. Furthermore, judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and subject only to the Constitution and the law. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on their decisions also.

As the Deputy will be also aware, the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 provides for a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures which will enhance the powers of the gardaí in the investigation and prosecution of offences. In the context of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, I propose to bring forward, on Committee Stage, a series of measures to increase sentences for the more serious range of firearms offences, including the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. I will also introduce a new offence of illegally modifying a firearm by, for example, sawing off a shotgun barrel, and the imposition of severe penalties for this offence.