Crime figures show dramatic increase in murder rate

The latest crime figures show a dramatic increase in the rate of murder and drug offences, reflecting the increased level of organised criminal activity in the State.

The provisional figures from the Garda Síochána for 2005 show the number of murders rose by 46 per cent from 37 to 54.

The number of people caught in possession of drugs for sale or supply rose by 20 per cent from 2,162 to 2,594, while the number of individuals caught in possession of firearms rose by 16 per cent from 365 to 424.

The statistics showed that headline crime in the State increased by 2.78 per cent.

The figures also revealed a significant rise in the number of Section 4 rapes (rape with an implement and oral rape) - which increased by 33 per cent. Rape of females rose by 8 per cent from 382 incidences in 2004 to 412 last year.

But the number of aggravated sexual assaults fell by nearly 43 per cent from 14 to 8.

There was a significant drop in the rate of manslaughter, which fell by 50 per cent from eight to four. The rate of assault causing harm also fell by 5 per cent from 3,876 in 2004 to 3,668 last year.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell said a number of the increases reflected increased enforcement activity on the part of An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at a Garda Graduation ceremony in Templemore, Mr McDowell said: "The overall picture indicates that there is no room for complacency and validates the Government's decision to continue to devote unprecedented resources to the fight against crime."

He welcomed the increase in the number drug and firearms offences "which come to notice as a result of police detection work".

Mr McDowell said Operation Anvil, which the Garda Commissioner introduced last May to combat the activities of organised crime gangs, made a significant contribution to detections.

He said the operation would continue "as long as it is deemed necessary in operational and policing terms.

"At my request and facilitated by the provision of additional funding, the Commissioner has extended Operation Anvil to Garda Divisions outside Dublin," the Minister said.

Operation Anvil has led to 1,689 arrests - including 581 for burglary, 243 for robbery, 16 for murder and 277 for serious assaults.