There has been a 45 per cent increase in serious rapes in the past year, according to provisional figures that also show a 17 per cent jump in murder and manslaughter.
The details on serious crime were published in the context of an overall decline of 0.2 per cent in the number of reported crimes over the last 12 months.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell
In a number of the most serious categories there have been increases including Section 4 (serious) rape; possession of drugs for supply, which is up 18 per cent; and robbery from a premises, up 20 per cent.
Other statistics provided to the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell by Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy found unlawful carnal knowledge down 15 per cent; aggravated sexual assault down 56 per cent; theft from the person down 19 per cent; robbery from the person down 26 per cent; and rape of a female down 11 per cent.
Speaking at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Mr McDowell said although the decrease in the headline figure was welcome, he was concerned about increases in serious crime in the first three-quarters of 2005.
"Although An Garda Síochána this year has the highest level of resources ever in its history, all concerned, including the legislators, must continue our efforts in combating incidents of crime," he said.
He said Operation Anvil, introduced in May to combat organised crime, was helping tackle gun culture. Detection of firearms offences was up 21 per cent in the first quarter of this year, he noted.
"Recent figures indicate that Operation Anvil has resulted in 812 arrests in connection with murder, serious assaults, burglary, robbery and other serious offences; 3,437 drug searches; 304 firearms searches; 176 firearms seized or recovered; 1,492 vehicles seized and stolen property to the value of approximately €2.2 million recovered," the Minister said.
Mr McDowell intends adding provisions to the Criminal Justice Bill, currently before the Oireachtas, including: the creation of criminal offences in relation to organised crime; the strengthening of provisions for a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking; new offences of supplying drugs to prisoners and the creation of a Drug Offenders Register.
He is also proposing an amnesty during which firearms may be surrendered to the Garda.
The Minister also noted that the figures are provisional and therefore subject to validation and change. The final figures will be included in the Garda Commissioner's Annual Report.