Experts clash on crime figures compilation

MEMBERS of an expert group on crime statistics have clashed over findings on how to improve the compilation of crime figures by the gardaí.

Three of the 13-member group established by Justice Minister Michael McDowell said its failure to examine the non-recording of reported crime made it impossible to make any findings on the quality, reliability and accuracy of garda figures.

They also claimed the non-publication of data on non-headline cases in recent years suggested there may be problems with the recording of crime statistics.