Violence and social change in the Republic of Ireland

Violent crime in the Republic of Ireland has become a focus of media, political and public concern, especially since the shooting dead in separate incidents of a journalist and policeman in June 1996. However, the contours of the problem are barely understood and its relationship to wider social forces is only beginning to receive attention. To make sense of recent trends in homicide and assault, it is important to consider factors such as the economic boom, changing migration patterns and shifts in alcohol and drug consumption.