Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the wide discrepancy between the level of crime reported or collated by the Garda Síochána and the actual incidents of serious crime as experienced by residents in parts of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40314/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All incidents reported to the Garda Síochána are recorded and investigated. I am assured that the Garda Síochána urges all members of the public to report any matters of a criminal nature for investigation by them. The problems of unreported and unrecorded crime are well documented in the international criminological literature, and are in no way unique to this country. Furthermore, the introduction of PULSE has improved the accuracy and comprehensiveness of Garda statistics — for example, the system demands that incidents now have to be recorded before particular actions can be taken.

In relation to the crime situation in the Moyross and Southill area of Limerick City, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of serious criminal incidents which have occurred in the Moyross and Southill areas of Limerick City have been the subject and focus of much media attention both locally and nationally. The Garda authorities in Limerick have an excellent record in the investigation of serious crime. A significant effort has been made by local Garda management to address the ongoing serious crime situations that have developed in these areas during the past few months and additional resources have been deployed to perform additional patrols in both the Moyross and Southill areas to target criminality in certain areas of Limerick City.

Garda initiatives are continually being planned to target the activities of criminal elements in the City, these initiatives have shown considerable success. As a result of these initiatives 70 firearms and ammunition seizures have taken place and quantities of drugs (cocaine, heroin, cannabis resin, ecstasy) have been recovered. I am assured that the Garda authorities will continue to deliver a quality policing service in targeting those involved in criminal activity.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 193: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will explain what is meant by the qualification that Garda statistics as given are provisional, operational and liable to change in view of the fact that the PULSE system was to record all crimes as reported; the way the statistics given are gathered and collated; and the factors that would impact on those statistics that would make them liable to change. [40315/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The changeover to the PULSE platform allowed the Gardaí to reorganise its crime classification system, so that it more accurately reflects the complex, modern criminal activities reported or known to the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the term 'provisional, operational and liable to change' is used to explain that the statistics being provided are based on very recently recorded data. Key variables may not have taken place at the time information is being provided to the Garda Síochána but may commence before the end of the accounting period. This could include incidents subsequently detected, or where directions to charge or otherwise are received from the Law Officers and where proceedings may commence or be finalised resulting in conviction or otherwise.

Furthermore, a criminal offence may be reclassified in the course of an investigation, for example, an incident which is recorded as murder may be reclassified as manslaughter during the course of an investigation as the body of relevant evidence comes to light or following receipt of the Law Officer's directions.