Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 577: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will be taking to stop the recent increase in armed robberies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36227/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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While I am of course concerned about the incidents referred to by the Deputy, it is important to note that the most recent recorded crime statistics report an overall reduction in robberies of more than 8% over the preceding 12 months.

There are very strong laws in place to deal with gang and armed crime and criminals are being brought before the courts on a regular basis by the Gardaí and substantial sentences handed down. I have made it clear that I will review any proposals for improvement to the laws in this area. While the existing laws are of great assistance to the Gardaí, I have already asked that the organised crime measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 be examined to see if these provisions can be strengthened. I also recently moved motions in the Dáil and Seanad to renew these provisions to ensure they remain available to the Gardaí.

I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner on all aspects of crime and public safety and met with him this week to discuss crime issues, including these recent incidents. Garda investigations are underway into the robberies referred to, arrests have been made and the Garda Commissioner has indicated publicly that he is confident that good progress will be made in these investigations. I have every confidence in the capacity and determination of An Garda Síochána to confront this type of criminality and bring those involved to justice.