Labour slams Govt 'indifference' to rising crime rates

The Labour Party has accused the Government of showing indifference towards Ireland's rising crime rates.

Recent figures showed a 93% increase in violent assaults last year, while the number of murders also continued to rise.

Labour spokesman Joe Costello said these figures show Ireland is a more violent and dangerous place than it was when Fianna Fail and the PDs were elected to office.

He also said that Justice Minister Michael McDowell has done nothing to address the problem since his election last May and has made no effort to secure funding for the 2000 extra gardai promised in the Progressive Democrats' election manifesto.