‘Wrong not to acknowledge achievements of gardaí’

AS he prepares to set out next year’s policing priorities for the gardaí, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan addressed the Dáil yesterday on the subject of crime. The following are edited extracts:

* Crime statistics: I realise it is no consolation to someone who has been a victim of crime to point out that the chances of it happening are low. But... the crime rate per 1,000 of population dropped from 26 in 2003 to 24.5 in 2006.

In relation to recent murders... the latest figures are that since August 1, there have been 17 murders and manslaughters. Persons have been charged in respect of 13, or 76%, of these cases…