Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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120. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm if the publication of crime statistics has resumed since June 2015, following their suspension as a result of Garda Síochána Inspectorate findings of massaging of figures and incorrect classification. [33609/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, Central Statistics Office, as the national statistics agency is responsible for the publication of the official crime statistics. The CSO resumed publication of the official Recorded Crime Statistics on 30 June, and the most recent publication was issued on 28 September.

At the time the CSO resumed publication, I welcomed its report, published at the same time, setting out its analysis of the issues arising from the 2014 Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation. The work of both the CSO and the Garda Inspectorate identified common issues of concern in relation to Garda crime recording processes and systems. Many of these issues have no doubt built up over time and it is true to say that similar issues have also been found with police data in other jurisdictions. CSO's analysis clarified and quantified the issues which were identified by the Inspectorate in relation to crime recording. Notwithstanding these issues, the CSO concluded that the data are of sufficient quality to allow publication, on the basis that care should be taken in their interpretation in light of the report’s analysis. The CSO is working with An Garda Síochána to address these issues and will repeat their analysis at regular intervals to monitor data quality.

Following the publication of the Inspectorate’s report, An Garda Síochána took a number of important steps to address the issues identified including the establishment of a new Data Quality Team within the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), and the piloting of a new incident recording process to test data review processes. Arising from and building on this work, the Commissioner indicated that further new measures will be rolled out nationally this year which will enhance accountability, governance and oversight of investigations.

The key issue now is that there is a programme of work in place to address the issues identified so that we can be satisfied that we have accurate, reliable data on crime. This work will be well supported by the very substantial additional provision of €205 million for new technology and information systems for An Garda Síochána announced recently in the Government Capital Plan 2016 - 21. This level of investment underlines my commitment to progress the important reforms of An Garda Síochána identified by the Garda Inspectorate.