Vol. 411 No. 4
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the measures he proposes if any, to combat such crimes as robbery, robbery with violence, rape, car theft, handbag snatching and mugging; if he can identify the extent to which such crimes are committed by persons on bail for other crimes; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to improve this country's image in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I refer the Deputy to my statement in the House last Wednesday when I stated that the safety and security of our citizens was my chief concern and that the Government have listed the fight against crime among their top priorities. In this statement I gave details of the measure which I am taking to ensure that citizens are adequately protected from criminal attack. These measures include an ongoing legislative programme, recruitment of additional gardaí, improved deployment and management of existing Garda resources, provision of the most modern and professional equipment and training for the garda, and the development of community based crime-prevention initiatives.
I am aware of the problem of offences committed by persons on bail. However, I would point out that since the law relating to bail was strengthened in the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, by providing that a sentence of imprisonment for an offence committed by a person on bail must be consecutive on any sentence passed or about to be passed on him for a previous crime, the number of offences committed by persons on bail has shown a very significant decrease. In 1983, before the 1984 Act was passed, 8,295 offences were committed by persons on bail.
Last year the comparable figure was 2,494 offences. I accept that the commission of 2,494 offences by persons on bail is still a matter of concern. The figures I have quoted do show, however, that the situation is improving.
I am continuing to monitor the situation and if I am satisfied that further measures are appropriate, I will bring forward the necessary proposals.
