Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders that have taken place each year during the past five years and to date in 2009; and the number of convictions that have been secured in respect of these murders. [14350/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The following table contains the number of cases of murder recorded and the number of convictions secured in each year from 2004 to 2008 and in 2009 up to 3 April.

The detection rate for murders by its nature increases over time 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, for example firearms offences. Furthermore persons charged and brought before the courts may be convicted of offences other than murder.

All figures are provisional and liable to change.