Ahern considering mandatory sentencing for attacks on elderly
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is considering the introduction of mandatory sentencing for attacks on elderly people.
Minister Ahern said both he and the Garda Commissioner are concerned at the rise in property theft and everything must be done to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
Annual CSO figures out today show an increase in murder, rape, kidnappings, robbery and hijackings.
The figures show that there were 53 murders last year, three more than 2008.
However, while the number of murders and manslaughters taken together (55) showed no increase in the year, Minister Ahern expressed concern at the high number of such crimes.
"Many are gang-related which underlines the necessity of the tough legislation enacted last year and which is now being fully utilised by the gardaí," he said.
Cases of kidnappings, false imprisonment and human trafficking rose by a dramatic 80%, while instances of burglary and hijacking were also up.
Sexual offences also increased, with reported rape cases rising 10%.
Commenting on today’s figures, Minister Ahern said both he and the Garda Commissioner are concerned by the increase in property theft and particularly the fears of elderly people, many of whom live alone.
He said he is awaiting a review of the legislation relating to the introduction of mandatory sentencing of those convicted of such crimes against the most vulnerable in society.
The comments were welcomed by Age Action.
"The introduction of mandatory sentencing for attacks on some of the most vulnerable members of society would reflect the widespread revulsion of these crimes,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.
“It would also send out a very strong message that if you attack some of the weakest in society, you will pay a greater price if you are caught.”
The crime report also showed more than one reported rape every day.
Cliona Saidlear, spokeswoman for the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI), said the rising figure of attacks on men and women – up 10% to 377 – may reflect reports of historic cases.
“It is both recent and historic. Our best analysis is that more people are coming forward and more people are likely to report rape,” she said.
Half of victims supported by the RCNI last year had suffered rape or sex assaults in the years before.
“Because there has been a huge focus and public debate on the historic incidents you would have seen a peak. A lot of people have come forward,” Ms Saidlear said.
Nine of the 14 main crime groups saw a fall and here is a breakdown of some of the major crime statistics:
:: Murders saw a slight increase to 53 killings;
:: Reported rapes suffered by men and women increased 10% to 377;
:: A massive increase in human trafficking offences to 49;
:: Some 220 threats to kill – up almost 10%;
:: Twenty-one people made false alarms or interfered with aircraft or air transport facilities;
:: A 14% increase in people caught drug-driving to 831;
:: Recorded drink-drivers fell by a quarter to 13,821;
:: Fifty-five people suffered false imprisonment;
:: Fraud fell by 10%;
:: Cultivation and production of drugs was up a quarter with 272 seizures.
