Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which any increase in violent crime resulting in death or serious injury continues to be monitored by him with a view to identifying possible contributory factors and addressing any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39592/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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While I share the Deputy's concerns about violent crime, it is important to note the latest crime statistics show a reduction in most categories of recorded crime including homicide, sexual offences, assault and public order offences. As the Deputy will appreciate, violent crime manifests itself in a number of different ways, and An Garda Síochána analyses and addresses each using appropriately targeted measures. In particular, the Policing Plan for 2012 includes as a strategic goal the objective of confronting serious crime in all its forms, including crimes against the person as well as organised and violent crime.

The Gardaí employ multi-disciplinary, intelligence-led approaches to ensure the activities and resources of individuals and groups involved in all criminal enterprises, including armed and other violent crime, are effectively targeted. At the present time, the Garda authorities have in place a number of intelligence led operations focusing on violent organised crime groups, as a direct result of which a number of individuals are before the courts charged with serious offences, up to and including murder.

Violent crime also manifests itself in the context of public disorder and street violence, often associated with excessive drinking. The Gardaí proactively target areas which are 'hotspots' for such criminality and take appropriate action, using the strong legal powers available to them under the Public Order Acts and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. Dealing with the violence that arises from excessive drinking is not simply about policing, however, and requires actions by parents, by educators and by those who sell alcohol, not only in public houses, but right across the retail sector. For my part I intend to work to improve our regulatory framework with a view to curbing the level of excessive drinking.

I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner who is in a position to advise me in relation to An Garda Síochána's expert analysis of the crime problems faced in our society and will respond appropriately to any issues which the Commissioner might bring to my attention.