Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to report on the current incidence of car theft and the response of An Garda Síochána and the courts to this continuing criminal activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19194/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have asked the CSO to forward the available statistics in relation to the information requested directly to the Deputy. I would note, however, that the most recent statistics published by the CSO record that incidents in the 'theft/taking of vehicle and related offences' category fell by 21.3% in the 12 months to end March 2016, which is very welcome.

I am assured that An Garda Síochána vigorously pursue the investigation of the crimes referred to and all other crimes. In addition, a range of crime prevention advice is available from An Garda Síochána in relation to property theft, including vehicle theft. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware of the very significant investments in policing which have been put in place, and the Government's intention to bring the overall strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 members through a programme of accelerated recruitment. The Government's commitment to support enhanced policing will undoubtedly assist in the prevention and investigation of this and all other forms of crime.