Updated 13.05

The number of murders in Ireland has risen by more than a third - or 36% - in the year to March.

During that period there were 60 such deaths here.

The latest recorded crime statistics from the Central Statistics Office show that homicides have risen by 23% overall, with the biggest rise in the category of murders -  they are up from 44 to 60 deaths in the twelve month period.

Law Lecturer at NUI Galway Tom O' Malley says it's very difficult to control murders and manslaughters:

Caitriona Nash works with Advic, an organisation that provides help for families bereaved by homicide.

She lost her cousin Alan 22 years ago, when he was stabbed to death:

Homicide also includes dangerous driving causing death, and there were 22 deaths in this category - down one.

Central Statistics Office has released new homicide figures

During the same time, kidnappings rose by 6%, and theft was up by 2%.

Commenting on the statistics, Interim Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan said the dedication of gardaí was evidenced by the fall in 10 of the 14 crime groups, "This could not have been achieved without the close partnership we enjoy with communities. Our focus is on ensuring we continue to work closely with communities around the country to keep them safe."

She welcomed the drops in burglary, damage to property, public order, dangerous and negligent acts including dangerous driving, but expressed concern about the new homicide figures, "While this rise is not attributable to organised crime, any increase in murders is a matter of concern for An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána pursues all murder investigations vigorously. We have a strong record of successful detections of murders and a large number of arrests have already been made in relation to murders committed in Q1."