Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders since the beginning of 2008 in which firearms were used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/08]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of murder in which firearms were used in respect of each year from 1998 to date in 2008; the number of such cases in which prosecutions for murder were initiated; the number of such cases where convictions were secured; if he is satisfied with the level of detection and conviction in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8985/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 166 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of murders recorded, detected, proceedings commenced and convictions, which involved the use of a firearm, for the years 1998 to 2008 up to 26 February. Investigations into many of these cases are ongoing and, accordingly, the number of cases where prosecutions are initiated can be expected to rise. I have outlined to the House previously difficulties which can arise in detecting gangland killings and the extensive efforts being made by An Garda Síochána to overcome these.

Figures for 2007 and 2008 are provisional, operational and liable to change.