Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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142. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to tackle the prevalence of burglaries; if there are specific measures planned for repeat offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35250/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that I am extremely conscious of the impact of burglary on communities throughout the country and am determined to continue to take strong action against the criminals involved. My response to burglaries, and to crime generally, is focussed on two key objectives; strengthening the law to get tougher on serious and repeat offenders and investing in the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce that law effectively.

Earlier this year I called together the heads of all of the Criminal Justice agencies to devise a new approach to tackle burglaries. One important factor which emerged was the finding that a large proportion of domestic burglaries are committed by serial offenders. Figures from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service indicate that 75% of burglaries are committed by 25% of burglars. Targeting these repeat offenders must be a priority and has the potential to significantly reduce the number of burglaries being committed. In response, I introduced the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill which is targeted at those repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. The new Bill will require the District Court to provide for consecutive jail sentences where a burglar is being sentenced for multiple offences, and will allow Courts to refuse ball for offenders who have a previous conviction for domestic burglary coupled with two or more pending charges. This Bill, which I hope to see enacted in the next few weeks, will go a long way in giving the Courts the power to ensure that repeat burglars are kept off the streets.

Legislation on its own is not enough, however. I am also in ongoing contact with the Commissioner with a view to ensuring that the policing response is as effective as can be and that Garda operations take account of evolving trends and patterns in burglary offences.

The Garda strategy to counter burglaries and related crimes has been coordinated under Operation Fiacla, which has led to 14,672 arrests, and 8,358 charges brought to date. I am providing the Commissioner with the means to enhance this operational response. Most significantly, last September we reopened the Garda College to new recruits for the first time since 2009. To date, 400 new Gardaí have started their training, with the first 295 having already passed-out and are now working in communities nationwide. 150 more recruits are due to enter Garda College in coming weeks, and, following the Budget Day announcements, there will be a further 600 new recruits in 2016, underlining the Government's commitment to providing communities throughout the country with the reassurance that comes from a visible and determined police force.

I am also ensuring that An Garda Síochána have the necessary vehicles and technology to respond to the highly-mobile gangs behind much burglary offending. We have invested nearly €29 million in new Garda vehicles since 2012, with 370 new vehicles coming on stream so far this year. I have also made specific funding available for specialised vehicles and technology, providing €700,000 for new high powered vehicles in 2015, and €1.75m to upgrade surveillance equipment on Garda aircraft. Looking to future years, the Capital Plan 2016 - 2021 makes provision for the ongoing delivery of new Garda vehicles as well as very significant investment in new technology and information systems for An Garda Síochána, amounting to an investment of €205m over the life of the Plan.

With the benefit of the very significant allocations which the Government is making for Garda resources, I am working closely with the Commissioner to finalise details of an enhanced operational response to burglaries and related crimes, and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements in this regard shortly. These measures represent an investment in the safety of our communities and underscore the commitment of this Government to ensure that those on the frontline in tackling crime, including burglary, have the capacity to do so effectively.