Written answers
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Crime Levels
5:00 pm
Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 11: 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. [14064/08]
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy concerning the numbers of cases of murder recorded in which firearms were used in each year from 1998 to date in 2008, the number of prosecutions initiated and the number of convictions secured is set out in the table below. Figures provided for 2008 are provisional, operational and liable to change.
The detection rate for murders by its nature increases overtime as Garda investigations progress. It is expected that in respect of each year the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and the number of proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts. This applies particularly to murders committed in the most recent years. In addition, directions may be received from the Law Officers to charge persons arrested in connection with such incidents with offences other than murder. Furthermore such persons charged and brought before the courts may be convicted of offences other than murder.
The House will be aware that there can be considerable difficulties for the Garda in obtaining evidence in shootings which are the result of gangland activities. This arises not least because none of the associates of such victims will co-operate with the Garda investigation. Nevertheless, the Garda are determined to pursue rigorously all killings, whatever their background. In this context I would refer specifically to measures which the Commissioner has introduced to strengthen the investigation of crime.
| The number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used, proceedings commenced and convictions for the years 1998 to 2007 and in 2008 up 11 April | ||||
| Year | Recorded | Detected | Proceedings Commenced | Convictions |
| 2008 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2007 | 20 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| 2005 | 22 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| 2004 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 2003 | 19 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| 2002 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2001 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 2000 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| 1999 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| 1998 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Figures provided for 2008 are provisional, operational and liable to change.
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