Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action being taken to address the latest concerns with regard to the recording of crime data by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32892/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has postponed the release of the latest Quarterly Recorded Crime Statistics, which had been due for publication on 28 June 2017. I am advised that this postponement arose because the ongoing Garda review in relation to the classification of homicide incidents is not yet complete. Therefore, it was not possible for the CSO to conduct its normal data verification process in advance of the publication of new crime statistics.

At the public meeting held with the Policing Authority on 29 June 2017 the Garda authorities indicated that there are two main aspects to the ongoing review of homicide data. The first issue under review is a consideration of how certain homicides which may have resulted from assault incidents were classified on the PULSE system. The other issue under examination relates to apparent data entry errors connected with homicides arising from offences classified as dangerous driving causing death. I am advised that, following queries raised by the CSO, An Garda Síochána have reviewed the classification of in the region of 1,400 incidents, covering the period from 2003 to 2017. I understand that the Garda authorities has now provided a revised data set to the CSO in relation to the classification of these incidents.

The Deputy will appreciate that a decision on the resumption of the publication of crime statistics is a matter for the CSO, which is the independent national statistics authority. I am advised that the Garda authorities are in continuing contact with the CSO in relation to these matters, and I expect to receive further updates on this work as it progresses.

We must bear in mind that issues with the consistent recording of crime data are not unique to this jurisdiction. The CSO has already carried out two detailed reviews of crime data quality, in 2015 and 2016, and I understand that further general reviews of crime data quality are planned. The CSO’s work provides an important measure of re-assurance to support ongoing work to enhance the quality of the official crime statistics.

In addition to the valuable work of the CSO, these matters are being kept under close scrutiny by the Policing Authority. Given the Authority’s important oversight role, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is entirely appropriate that such issues are the subject of careful examination and inquiry by the Authority.