Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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231. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he is taking to deal with the increase in violent deaths over the past 12 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2021/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I share the Deputy's concern about the recent violent deaths and wish to express my sincere sympathies with the families and friends of all the deceased. I know the Gardaí are investigating these crimes with all the necessary resources and charges and arrests have already been made in relation to a number of the deaths. In these circumstances I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of these particular incidents.

The incidence of these crimes over a short period of time is of course a concern, but the Deputy will be aware that the underlying rate of murder and manslaughter decreased in the most recent recorded crime statistics available from the Central Statistics Office, as did the incidence of most other types of violent crime.

The Deputy will also be aware that the circumstances surrounding homicide cases can vary considerably, from carefully planned killings carried out by organised criminals, to unpredictable incidents often associated with abuse of alcohol or drugs. Accordingly, An Garda Síochána has in place policing strategies to combat these varying circumstances to the greatest extent possible, including measures to tackle and dismantle organised crime groups as well as the proactive targeting of public disorder and anti-social behaviour. While we should not underestimate the policing challenges presented by this type of crime, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána are determined to respond effectively and to bring people to justice whenever possible, and they have my full confidence and support in that regard.