Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation or proposals in place to combat the high level of crime that is taking place on a local level around the country and the impact of a growing fear of crime on quality of life; his views on the minimal sentencing that ensues for petty crimes given that the aftermath of these crimes are so considerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15717/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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While I share the Deputy's concerns about crime and assure her of the Government's commitment to respond effectively, it should be noted that Central Statistics Office recorded crime statistics for the third quarter of 2011, the most recent figures available, showed a welcome decrease in 12 of 14 crime groups, compared with the same quarter in 2010, as well as a decrease on an annualised basis in 11 of these 14 categories. This included reductions in homicide offences, sexual assaults, controlled drug offences and public order offences.

All crime trends nationally are closely monitored by Senior Garda management. Regional Assistant Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners in charge of the National Units have put in place appropriate intelligence led initiatives to target criminality with special intelligence led operations to tackle serious and organised criminal activity. At a local level, Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public. Senior Garda management is satisfied that a comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community. I am further informed that Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources and strategies are available to deal with the current level of crime being recorded.

I would also like to emphasise that partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime and in maintaining a safe environment for everyone is of great significance. An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing to invest time and energy in those partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all. This is reflected in the Garda Community Policing Model, as well as in work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in partnership with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch, Business Watch, Crime Stoppers and also through the work of the Joint Policing Committees.

The Gardaí make full and effective use of the criminal law in order to investigate and prosecute offenders. Nevertheless, I am committed to keeping that legislation under review so that it continues to provide for effective measures to respond to offending. I have, in particular, requested that my Department review the operation of the organised crime provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 to see it is provisions can be strengthened, and that process is ongoing in consultation with the Garda authorities. In so far as sentencing decisions in individual cases are concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that judges are independent in the matter of sentencing as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

I can further inform the Deputy that I intend to build on existing work in order to put in place a National Anti-Crime Strategy, arising from the White Paper on Crime consultation process. This will provide a strategic framework for all of the measures in place to tackle crime, including prevention, intervention and enforcement measures, as well as measures to support victims. My intention is to publish this Strategy later this year and that it will help to guide our work to tackle crime into the future.