The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, T.D., has welcomed the publication today by the Central Statistics Office for the first time of the provisional headline crime statistics for the third quarter of 2006.  This first set of figures compiled and published by the CSO represents the fulfilment of the Tanaiste's commitment to bring an independence and expertise to the compilation of the crime statistics.  

 
The figures show a decrease of 1.6% for the quarter compared with the same quarter in 2005. 

As he has consistently done since he directed the quarterly publication of the figures in 2003 as a vital aid to policy formulation, the Tánaiste once again emphasised that care must be taken in interpreting the statistics, especially when considering short term fluctuations and extrapolating trends over short periods.

He said: "I welcome the publication of these figures by the CSO.  This development represents the culmination of a policy I brought forward shortly after my appointment when I directed the publication of the crime statistics on a quarterly basis as an aid to policy formulation and in the public interest.  While the time period utilised by the CSO is slightly different from that used heretofore by the Gardaí, the CSO have moved to extend our knowledge by detailing new categories of crime such as Attempted/Threatened Murders, Cultivation and Importation of Drugs and what is unfortunately very topical at the moment, Dangerous Driving causing Death."

Of particular note in the figures published for this quarter are the decreases in murder and manslaughter offences (overall decrease of 6%) and sexual offences (overall decrease of 9%).  There have also been significant decreases in the range of robbery and theft offences, including decreases of 43% in robberies of cash and goods in transit and of 24% in theft from the person.

The largest percentage increases have been in low volume crimes, such as aggravated sexual assault and false imprisonment, where a small increase in the number of crimes will result in a large percentage increase.

     
The Tánaiste welcomed the large increase of 183% in the detection of the offences of cultivation, manufacture and importation of drugs, which is due to dogged and skilful police work by An Garda Síochána.

It is noteworthy that the number of offences of discharging a firearm was stable in the quarter.  As evidenced by the large seizure of weapons this week, Operation Anvil has been instrumental in keeping stable the use of firearms and also in increasing the detection of cases of possession of drugs for sale or supply.  Anvil continues throughout the country. Additional resources recently made available are being utilised in a focused way to reduce crime, with particular emphasis on large volume crimes such as burglary and theft, especially theft from motor vehicles and shops. The penalties available to the courts will be greatly strengthened next week when the mandatory sentences provided for in the Criminal Justice Act come into effect. From 1 November next the following sentences will apply:

• Possession of firearms with intent to endanger life - maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment;
   
• Prohibition of use of firearms to resist arrest or aid escape - maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment;
   
• Possession of firearm while hijacking a  vehicle - maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment;
   
• Possession of firearm or ammunition in suspicious circumstances - maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment;
   
• Carrying firearm with criminal intent - maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment; and
   
• Altering a Firearm - maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.

The Tánaiste said: "Following the completion of the weapons amnesty on 31 October, the mandatory minimum sentences will commence with effect from 1 November.  The new law specifies that the courts may exercise discretion to impose less than the minimum sentence only where it is satisfied that there are exceptional and specific circumstances for doing so. In addition, it may only exercise its discretion in the case of a first offence.  Where a person charged with any of the above offences has been previously convicted of any such offence then the court has no discretion and must impose at least the mandatory minimum sentence.  These stringent new provisions, combined with the continuing efforts of the Gardaí in Operation Anvil will go a long way to ensuring that those found in possession of firearms will pay a very serious price for their crimes."
 

 The 3rd quarter 2006 headline crime statistics are available on the Central Statistics Office. website.

27 October, 2006