Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gun murders that took place in 2005; the number of these that have resulted in prosecutions; the number that have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13164/10]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gun murders that took place in 2006; the number of these that have resulted in prosecutions; the number that have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13160/10]

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gun murders that have taken place to date in 2010; the number of these that have resulted in prosecutions; the number that have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13145/10]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gun murders that took place in 2008; the number of these that have resulted in prosecutions; the number of these that have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13155/10]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gun murders that took place in 2004; the number of these that have resulted in prosecutions; the number that have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13169/10]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of cases of murder in which firearms were used from 1998 to date in 2010; the number of such cases in which prosecutions for murder were initiated; the number of such cases in which convictions were secured; if he has satisfied himself with the level of detection and conviction in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13014/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 23, 24, 41, 51 and 71 together.

It is important to emphasise that all of the cases where proceedings have not yet been taken remain under active investigation. The detection rate for murders by its nature increases over time as Garda investigations progress. It is expected that the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and 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 such persons charged and brought before the courts may be convicted of offences other than murder.

Against that background, I am informed by the Garda authorities that during the period 1998 to 2010 (to 21 March) 193 murders involving a firearm were recorded, and to date proceedings were commenced in 57 in these cases and 23 convictions secured.

I am, of course, deeply concerned about the incidence of gun murders and I deplore all such killings. All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by An Garda Síochána and will continue to be so. In setting the policing priorities for An Garda Síochána in 2010, I have asked the Commissioner to continue the focus of the force on serious crime, in particular organised crime. This priority is also reflected in the Garda policing plan for this year, and specific initiatives, including under Operation Anvil, have been introduced.

While An Garda Síochána have made significant progress in the investigation of a number of killings, the reality is that there can be considerable difficulties for them in obtaining evidence in shootings which are the result of gangland activities from associates of a victim of a gangland killing or indeed from gangland figures even when they themselves are the victims of violence. It has also to be accepted that there is often no connection or personal association between the victim and the perpetrator, which makes it very difficult for An Garda Síochána in their investigation of such a murder. Witnesses may also be subject to high levels of intimidation not to come forward, and it is to assist such witnesses that the Witness Protection Programme is in place.

It was against that background that I introduced greatly strengthened legislation in the area of gangland crime which is being fully utilised by An Garda Síochána. I have also introduced further significant legislative proposals, which are currently before the House, including the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) and Criminal Procedure Bills, and I will not hesitate to introduce further proposals if that becomes necessary. In addition, I have secured Government approval to commence work on a new Bail Bill to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law.