Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the United States overseas security advisory council's report advising American tourists of the rising crime rates here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11090/10]

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

The report referred to by the Deputy is based on the recorded crime statistics for the third quarter of 2009, published by the Central Statistics Office. The statistics for the full year 2009 show that there was a decrease in nine of the 14 crime groups for which statistics were provided. Notable trends included a decrease in the numbers of cases of manslaughter (down 60%) and dangerous driving causing death (down 26.5%). These contributed to an overall fall in homicide offences of 10.1%. The number of cases of murder and manslaughter taken together (55) showed no increase in the year. Many murders are gang related, which underlines the necessity of the tough legislation enacted last year and which is now being fully utilised by An Garda Síochána. In 2009 there were also decreases in public order offences (down 7.8%) and controlled drugs offences (down 6.3%).

Measures are being taken to address the rise shown in some forms of property crime reflected in the figures. There is a need for appropriate support for elderly people who may be subject to bogus callers to their homes. While householders must be vigilant, we must do what we can to protect the more vulnerable people in our society. I have met the Attorney General with regard to the issue of mandatory sentencing for such crimes, and he has requested the Law Reform Commission to examine the issue.

I believe that the budgetary allocation for An Garda Síochána in 2010 - set against a difficult economic backdrop - gives me scope to continue to prioritise resources in dealing with crime. I am pleased that, despite the increased Garda retirements in 2009, the force numbered just over 14,500 members at the end of 2009, compared with 14,412 at the end of 2008 and 13,755 at the end of 2007. I am also pleased that the number of road traffic fatalities decreased to 239 in 2009, down from 279 the previous year.