Opposition seize on public concern about crime

The rapid rise in violent offences and the decline detection rates under the current Government justifies public concern about crime, according to Labour and Fine Gael.

The parties were responding to a survey, commissioned by the Department of Justice, showing 85 per cent of people are "very" or "fairly" concerned by the current levels of crime and public disorder.

In response to survey findings today Labour spokesman on justice Joe Costello said the results were hardly surprising given the dramatic rise in "headline crime".

"This  survey on crime and disorder entirely backs-up the recent statistics that have shown increases across the board in crime rates," said Mr Costello.

"It is hardly surprising that in an atmosphere of robberies, public disorder, and violent crime, such an overwhelming majority of the population are concerned about public safety."

Mr Costello added that the lack of gardaí on the streets is an indication of the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell's "monumental failure" in the area and his inability to deliver his promised 2,000 extra officers.

Mr McDowell "continues to deny the crime wave, yet more and  more  statistics and surveys are produced to prove it is a reality," he added.

Fine Gael were also quick to pounce on the figures claiming they prove the Government have failed.

Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Jim O'Keeffe said the surveys findings were no surprise considering serious crime was up 19 per cent and detection rates were down from 44 per cent to 35 per cent.

"This Government said it would be judged on whether or not people feel safe. It is clear that people are being terrorised," added Mr O'Keeffe. "The Government has failed its own criminal justice test on every performance indicator."

The report also found that 73 per cent either "strongly support" or "tend to support" a trained and properly vetted garda force run to best international practice, and that 81 per cent support a greater role for civilians in the garda force.

Mr O'Keeffe described the Mr McDowell's approach to introducing such a reserve forcce as a "ham-fisted" one that has led to a breakdown in relations between the department and Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI).