Ahern Encouraged By Fall In Crime Numbers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern T.D, has said that the new report from the Central Statistics Office which shows a decrease in nine of the 14 crime groups in 2009 - compared with 2008 - underscored the Government's commitment to tackling criminal activity.

Minister Ahern said he was concerned by the 2.2% increase in property theft and particularly the fears of elderly people, many of whom live alone. But he said he was awaiting a review of laws relating to introducing mandatory sentencing of those convicted of such crimes against the most vulnerable in society.

The Minister welcomed the decrease in the numbers of cases of manslaughter and dangerous driving causing death. This contributed to a fall in homicide offences of 10.1%. However, while the number of murders and manslaughters taken together (55) showed no increase in the year, he expressed concern at the high number of such crimes, saying that, "Many are gang related which underlines the necessity of the tough legislation enacted last year and which is now being fully utilised by the Gardaí." 

He said the increase of 80.5% in kidnapping and related offences had to be seen in the context of statistical changes as this crime group includes abduction of persons under 16 years of age - generally in connection with family custody disputes - and that much of the increase is accounted for by the inclusion of new human trafficking offences, which highlights the major work Gardaí have undertaken in this area.

He noted that all property crime (robbery, burglary and theft) increased by 2.2% in the year. The Minister said: "Both the Garda Commissioner and I are concerned at the increase in property theft shown by the figures. Elderly people are subject to bogus callers to their homes. They must be vigilant but likewise we must do what we can to protect them. I have met with the Attorney General with regard to the issue of mandatory sentencing for such crimes. He has requested the Law Reform Commission to examine the issue."

Ahern also welcomed the decreases in public order offences (down 7.8%) and controlled drug offences (down 6.3%).

The Minister said: "We are in tough times financially. But I believe that the budgetary allocation for An Garda Síochána in 2010 - set against that difficult economic backdrop - gives me the scope to continue to prioritise resources in dealing with crime.

"I am pleased that despite the increased Garda retirements in 2009, the force numbered just over 14,500 members at the end of 2009, compared with 14,412 at the end of 2008 and 13,755 at the end of 2007. 

"Welcoming news is that following discussions which I had with the Minister for Finance, I have been given sanction for a significant number of promotions in An Garda Síochána, notwithstanding the current moratorium on promotions in the public service. 

"The 170 promotions, at all ranks from Assistant Commissioner to Sergeant, will allow the Commissioner to allocate the necessary resources to senior management and supervisory positions throughout the force." 

In addition to the significant capital investment in prisons in recent years additional  resources are being provided for capital works in 2010.

The Minister also welcomed the publication on 26 January of a report by the Garda Inspectorate on resource allocation in An Garda Síochána and recommendations which aim to improve the service to the public and the working conditions of frontline Gardaí. 

The Commissioner is preparing to implement a range of improvements to resource allocation systems. The Minister said: "I will work with the Commissioner and all concerned to deliver an even better policing service for communities countrywide."