The methods of gathering and presenting crime statistics by the Garda and other organisations are to be examined by an expert group.
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, yesterday announced appointments to the group. He said he hoped this and other measures would help to place the preparation of information on crime on a modern, transparent basis. This in turn, would facilitate all those involved in strategies to fight crime.
"I am firmly of the view that public confidence must be upheld in the validity and legitimacy of crime statistics generally," Mr McDowell said.
Against the background of the introduction of the new Garda IT system PULSE, the group would develop a framework for the production and presentation of reported crime statistics over the coming decades, he said.
The group would present its initial findings within 12 months. The establishment of the group arises from recommendations made by the National Crime Council.
The group will be chaired by Mr David Kennedy, former chief executive of Aer Lingus.
The other members are Mr John Brosnan, director of corporate affairs, Irish Prisons Service; Ms Mary Burke, director, National Crime Council; Mr Alec Dolan, principal officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Ms Nicola Hughes, research officer, National Crime Council;
Mr Brendan Callaghan, principal officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Mr Joe Egan, Assistant Garda Commissioner; Mr Jim Finn, principal officer, Courts Service; Mr Domhnall Murray, professional officer, Office of the DPP; Dr Ian O'Donnell, Institute of Criminology, UCD; Dr Aidan Punch, head of demography, Central Statistics Office.