Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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201. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plan to tackle violent crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7426/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the incidence of violent crime continues to be monitored closely by Garda management and that appropriate measures are in place to target this type of criminality. He will be aware that the most recent recorded crime statistics show that total recorded crime was down 7.1% over the 12 months to the end of September 2013, which reflects well on the policing measures which are in place.

The circumstances surrounding violent crime vary considerably, from carefully planned attacks 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.

These include proactive targeting of public disorder and anti-social behaviour including targeted high visibility patrols and monitoring of areas identified as hotspots for this type of crime, as well as intelligence-led operations, involving specialist units, to tackle and dismantle serious and organised criminality.

While we should not underestimate the policing challenges presented by violent 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.