Garda crime figures show homicides rise

There were almost 17 more homicides on average every year over the last 14 years than were previously recorded, according to heavily qualified official statistics.

The Central Statistics Office resumed publication of Garda crime figures yesterday, the first time in nine months, but said the figures carried a heavy health warning on their reliability.

As well as publishing updated homicide data, the CSO published recent figures, which show as 17% jump in sexual offences, including a 28% rise in rapes — increases described as shocking by Rape Crisis Network Ireland.