Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

303. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the annual number of crimes in which a knife was used and-or was an element of the crime in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49098/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.

However, it is my understanding that the information being sought by the Deputy in relation to this particular crime category is not available through the CSO at this time.  To be of assistance, I have requested that the CSO forward the relevant statistics to the Deputy as soon as they become available.

While the most recent publication of the official recorded crime statistics remain 'Under Reservation' due to issues around PULSE data, it is important to note the CSO, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, continues to make progress on returning the crime figures to the higher standard expected of our national crime statistics. I am determined that this body of work be completed as soon as possible and I welcome the continued diligence of the Policing Authority in monitoring this matter.