FF calls for discussion on crime figures with Garda Commissioner

Fianna Fáil has requested that the Garda Commissioner appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice to address concerns about the latest CSO crime figures, published at the end of June.

The party’s Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins explained, “There are genuine concerns that the latest figures, showing a decrease in most recorded crimes, do not ring true.  There seems to be a massive disconnect between the drop in crime indicated by the latest statistics and the reality on the ground in many communities.

“The reality is that we still have a very serious problem with burglaries, muggings, drugs and violent crime in many parts of the country.  People are struggling to see the evidence of the significant reduction in crime that Minister Shatter rushed to welcome last week.

“I want the Justice Committee to be given time with the Garda Commissioner to tease out these figures. The feedback that TDs from all parties are getting from around the country would suggest that there is a very real disconnect between the experience on the ground in local communities and these official statistics.

“I will be looking for an assessment from the Commissioner of what impact the cuts agenda within the Gardaí has had on the collation and reporting of crime figures.”

Deputy Collins has written to the Clerk of the Oireachtas Justice Committee to request that Commissioner Callinan is invited before the committee at the earliest convenience.