Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 526: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have been arrested for burglary in County Meath in the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the numbers of these that were prosecuted in the courts; the average sentence handed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34590/12]

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

Regarding the number of persons arrested for burglary in County Meath, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

With regard to the number of prosecutions and the average sentence handed down by the courts, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Act provides that the Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of statistics.

However, I have made enquiries and the Courts Service has provided me with figures which show that in County Meath, for the period 2008 to date in 2012, there have been 261 defendants before the courts charged with burglary and aggravated burglary.

I am further informed by the Courts Service that it is not in a position to provide information on the average sentence handed down within the time available. The Courts Service has indicated that it will provide this additional information and I will contact the Deputy again when it is to hand.