Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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45. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Garda Síochána review into homicides between 2003 and 2017; when it will be published; and when the CSO will be in a position to publish crime statistics provided by An Garda Síochána without reservation. [26881/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána initiated a review of homicide classifications, initially for the period 2013-2015 but later extending the review to cover the period 2003-2017. An Garda Síochána is currently working, in conjunction with the CSO and the Policing Authority, to resolve this issue. This is obviously a time consuming and complex process but it is important that both An Garda Síochána and the CSO are confident that their data is robust and accurate so that the public can have confidence in the data which informs the development of effective policies by the Department of Justice and Equality. The review by An Garda Síochána has not been published as it is not yet complete, however the details will be made public on completion. It is important to bear in mind that issues with the consistent recording of crime data are not unique to this jurisdiction.

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.

While the most recent publication of the official recorded crime statistics for Q1 2019 remain 'Under Reservation', it is important to note the CSO, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, continue to make good progress on returning the crime figures to the higher standard expected of our national crime statistics. It should also be recognised that the issues with the crime statistics is by no means unique to An Garda Síochána and, as I mentioned earlier, similar issues have been reported in other jurisdictions including the UK, Australia, Denmark and US. That said, 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.