Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 157: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of crimes committed by category in each of the past five years and to date in 2011; the degree to which the perpetrator was brought to justice in each category; the extent to which he proposes to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11923/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total amount of money taken in the various reported robberies in each of the past three years to date in 2011; the extent to which subsequent action and prosecution was successful including the recovery of moneys stolen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12081/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 173 together.

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling, publishing and responding to queries regarding recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána not to disclose the amount of money taken during incidents of robbery. All such incidents, including so-called tiger kidnappings and cash in transit robberies, are investigated and prosecutions taken when warranted.

Regular meetings are held between An Garda Síochána and financial institutions to discuss security issues and in particular tiger kidnapping prevention and response protocols. There are response procedures in place for dealing with such incidents, which An Garda Síochána does not disclose as a matter of policy and security.

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments which aim to strengthen the measures available to bring those responsible for committing crime to justice. These commitments include a DNA database which will be established to assist An Garda Síochána in the investigation of serious crimes. I also plan to introduce legislation to strengthen the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau in relation to forfeiting the proceeds of crime, including drug trafficking and dealing. We are also committed to freeing up Gardaí for front line policing by allocating administrative duties to civilian staff and by reforming case management systems so that Gardaí are not unnecessarily detained in the courts.

As well as taking forward as quickly as possible the specific commitments in the justice area in the Programme for Government, I intend to build on the work which has been under way for some time on the preparation of a White Paper on Crime. My ultimate objective is to provide a comprehensive framework for future crime policy, in the form of a National Anti-Crime Strategy. I want to make sure that we, as a community, are best placed to deal with the problem of crime in all its manifestations - not just the challenges we face now, but those likely to emerge in the coming years. In drawing up that Strategy, the White Paper process will mean that we will be able to take measures which are based on a rigorous analysis of what works and take on board a range of ideas from community, expert and voluntary interests.