Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide information on the Garda clearing rates for crime on a divisional basis, broken up into types of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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 the detailed statistics which he has sought directly to the Deputy.

Detection rates vary, depending on the types of offences involved, with, for example, an 83% rate for homicides in 2010. I fully support the efforts of An Garda Síochána to maintain detections at as high a level as possible.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of information letters issued to victims of crime utilising the Pulse computer system, broken up into divisional areas and based on the year of sending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Computer system, PULSE, has the capacity to generate automated letters to victims of crime. PULSE letters are sent when a crime is reported to An Garda Síochána. It contains the name of the investigating Garda, how to contact the Garda, details of the PULSE incident number and the number of the National Crime Victims Helpline or Irish Tourist Assistance Service as appropriate. A second PULSE letter is sent to an injured party where a person has been made amenable for the crime, including where a person has been charged, summonsed, dealt with by Adult caution or under the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

PULSE letters improve communications with victims of crime through the provision of information and by providing reassurance that their report is being dealt with by An Garda Síochána. The general feedback from victims and victim support organisation has been positive to the PULSE letters.

It can be seen from the table circulated that the number of letters issued in the first two quarters of 2011 was pro rata 11% greater than the number of letters issued in 2010 , and was 26% greater than in the first two quarters of 2009.

I am circulating a table containing the information requested.

*Garda Síochána Crime Victims Office, established in Third Quarter 2009