Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 651: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of illegally held weapons here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10577/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 652: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of weapons that it was estimated to have been illegally imported here in 2006 and each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 653: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of firearms other than shotguns or ordinary rifles that it was estimated to have been illegally imported here in 2006 and each year since 2000; the estimated number that are held illegally here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10579/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 651 to 653, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible for the Garda Síochána to quantify how many firearms-weapons have been imported illegally into this jurisdiction for 2006 and previous years from 2000. Any estimation would be purely speculative.

However, every effort is made by the Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and possession of firearms through intelligence led operations and activities. Operation Anvil, launched in May 2005, and aimed at those involved in gun crime of any kind, is one of the most intensive special policing operations ever undertaken in the State. It is intelligence-driven and has significant levels of Garda resources. The Garda Síochána is receiving resources this year to continue Operation Anvil as long as it is deemed necessary in operational policing terms. I have asked the Commissioner to extend it to Garda divisions outside Dublin.

Operation Anvil contributed to the increase of 16% in the detection of possession of firearms in 2005. Up to 19 February 2006, Operation Anvil resulted in over 1,600 arrests, including 23 for murder, over 13,200 searches, including 360 searches for firearms that resulted in 359 firearms seized or recovered, and the recovery of property with a value of €5.7 million.

In November 2005 an additional 50 personnel from the uniform service in the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR, were transferred to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations. These officers are dealing exclusively with criminals involved in gun crime in the DMR through Operation Anvil.

Due to my concerns about firearms in general and to ensure public safety and security, I propose to bring forward a wide range of amendments to the Firearms Acts 1925-2000 in the context of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is before the Dáil. Included in these new proposals will be measures which will create mandatory minimum sentences, of between five and ten years, for certain firearms offences, including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, possession of a firearm with criminal intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, possession of a firearm while hijacking a vehicle, and use or production of a firearm to resist arrest.

The proposals also include provisions to require all persons, wishing to legally hold a firearm, to satisfy the Garda that they have provided secure accommodation for the firearm; allow the Minister to deem certain firearms as restricted by reference to specific criteria, including the calibre, action type and muzzle energy of the firearm. In future, any person wishing to obtain a certificate for such a firearm will have to apply directly to the Garda Commissioner. The Bill will also introduce new offences concerning the modification of firearms such as sawing off a shotgun and increase fines and penalties generally for offences under the Firearms Acts. I also intend to introduce a statutory basis for an amnesty during which firearms may be surrendered to the Garda Síochána before new penalties, and minimum mandatory sentences, are introduced. This will enable those in possession of firearms, who are not in compliance with the legal requirements, to regularise their position, and enable the Garda Síochána to concentrate on more serious offenders.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 654: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of thefts of motor vehicles, including motor cycles, stolen here in 2006 and each year since 2000 by category; the rate of recovery of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10580/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested is not readily available and is being researched. I will be in touch with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 655: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of petty theft here in 2006 and each year since 2000, by category; the rate of recovery of property stolen in such thefts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10581/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the total number of theft from shop, theft from person and theft from mechanically propelled vehicle offences recorded for the years 2000 to 2005 and for 2006 up to 17 February. Also provided are the total number of those offences recorded in which property was recovered.

It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. The figures provided for 2000 and 2001 are incomplete due to the phased implementation of PULSE. The first full year captured is 2002 and is a more accurate base year to use.