Ireland has fourth highest rate of serious violent assaults in the EU

CRIME rates in Ireland are moderate overall compared to other EU countries but new figures show the level of violent assaults in the State is the fourth highest in the EU.

- BY SEAN MCCARTHAIGH

However, Ireland also has one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe.

Figures published by the European Commission on crime in the 27 EU member states in 2023 reveals crime rates in Ireland compare favourably to many western European countries across most types of offences with the exception of serious assault.

More than 5,700 offences of assault causing harm were recorded in the Republic in 2023 - a decrease of over 400 on 2022 figures.