Interim Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan has said latest crime figures showing an increase in murders were not related to organised crime, but every murder was still one too many.
“We are very very focused on putting together a number of initiatives, which will tackle those type of incidents,” she said.
Murders, kidnappings, robberies and drugs offences are on the increase according to the latest crime figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
While there was a drop in some offences recorded in the 12 months to the end of June this year, many of the most serious crimes showed significant increases on the same time last year.
The number of murders increased by one third from 45 to 60 for the twelve month period ending in June 2014.
Garda inspectorate report
Regarding the leaked Garda inspectorate report suggesting some serious crimes were categorised as less serious crimes, the Commissioner said the report was not yet published and it would be unfair of her to comment on a report that had not been completed.
“It is the job of the inspectorate to look at the practices and procedures of the Garda Siochana and to identify ways we can do our job better, and we will very much work collaboratively with the Inspectorate in improving anything they might highlight.”
Recruitment process
Asked about the current recruitment process for a new Garda Commissioner saying it would be “very unfair for me to comment on a competition that’s underway”.
She was very grateful to have 100 new recruits started in garda college and they were looking at ways to manage their resources better.
