Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the trends if any emerging in respect of violent crimes in respect of death and or serious injury that continue to be monitored by his Department; the likely action to be taken to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55694/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner about all aspects of serious and violent crime and the Gardaí respond robustly to those who engage in such offences. While incidents of serious and violent crime continue to be committed and have a substantial impact on victims and their families, it is important to note that the most recent recorded crime statistics, which are for the 12 month period to the end of June 2012, show that most categories of crime are in fact falling. This reflects well on the work of An Garda Síochána and the figures show that murder had decreased by 8% and assault offences were down by 9.7%. Public order and damage to property offences were also down (by 13.1% and 10.8% respectively).

Notwithstanding the positive messages from the latest crime figures, it remains imperative that we confront and disrupt violent criminals and the Gardaí have the full support of the Government in this. I am advised that Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. There is already a range of strong legislation in place to counter the sorts of crime referred to by the Deputy and I have also made it clear to the Garda Commissioner that if he feels there are other measures which might usefully be taken I will look at that very positively.