Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 835: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicides here involving the use of firearms from 1 June 1997 to date in 2008; the number of the homicides involving firearms committed during this period that have resulted in successful convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11343/08]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 836: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicides here involving knives or sharp implements from 1 June 1997 to date in 2008; the number of the homicides involving knives or sharp objects committed during this period that have resulted in successful convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11344/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 835 and 836 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murder and manslaughter offences which involved the use of a firearm recorded from 1 June, 1997 to 31 December, 2007 and in 2008 up to 25 March was 157. The number of convictions to date in respect of these offences is 26. The number of murder and manslaughter offences involving the use of a knife or a sharp instrument recorded for the years 2000 to 2007 and in 2008 up to 25 March is 190. The number of convictions to date in respect of these offences is 95. Figures for murder and manslaughter offences by weapon type, other than a firearm, prior to 2000 are not readily available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate.

The detection rate for murders and manslaughters offences by its nature increases over time as Garda investigations progress. It is anticipated that the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and the number of proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts.