State of the Nation: Are the guards massaging the crime figures?

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in Irish politics right now…

HERE IS THEJOURNAL.IE’s comprehensive guide to what’s happening in the political world this morning.

Everyone’s talking about…

The government will (it hopes) get some relief from the water charges controversy this week as the focus switches back to An Garda Síochána and what is expected to be a damning report by the Garda Inspectorate into how the force investigates serious crime.

An Garda Siochana Sign Memorandum of U Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

The report has been with acting commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald (both above) and is expected to say that in some cases crimes are under-recorded or not properly categorised. Over 200 recommendations are made in the report which is expected to be published today. It comes as new figures reveal garda numbers are falling in every city centre station… except in Dublin 4.

Elsewhere, water is not entirely off the agenda. Details on charges are not expected until next week but the matter will again be the subject of discussion at the Cabinet meeting with RTÉ reporting that insurers are now considering limiting cover for burst water pipes.

The agenda

The Cabinet meets at Government Buildings this morning.
As per above, the Garda Inspectorate report into how An Garda Síochána investigates serious crime is expected to be published.
The funeral of former agriculture minister Joe Walsh takes place in Cork today.
11am: Arts Minister Heather Humphreys attends a service of remembrance in Dublin to mark Armistice Day. She is also due at lay a wreath at Glasnevin Cemetery.
12pm: New Road Safety Authority chief Liz O’Donnell goes before the Transport Committee.
2pm: Leo Varadkar takes questions on Health issues in the Dáil.
3.15pm: Enda Kenny takes Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil.

What the others are saying…

The Irish Independent reports that the whistleblower implicating several former politicians in tax evasion scandal was offered a €20,000 bonus to finish his investigation quickly.
The same paper also says that water charges will not be as low as the €200 for a family of four that Joan Burton claimed last week.
Former Fine Gael strategist Frank Flannery has backed Leo Varadkar to succeed Enda Kenny as party leader in an interview with the Irish Examiner.

(Incidentially, the first of The Flannery Files podcast is due out today)