The research shows that 10% of Irish people feel they are "very likely" to be victims of crime while some 44% think it "likely".

This compares to the average across the 25 EU states of 6% who consider it "very likely" and 31% who think it "likely".

The survey was conducted during November and December 2005.

When compared to the original 15 member states of the EU, Irish people's concern about crime is topped only by people in the United Kingdom where 13% consider it "very likely" they will robbed or assaulted and 54% think it "likely".

Only 3% of those in Germany, France and Denmark consider it "very likely" that they will become victims of crime.

While Irish people appear more worried than most people in the EU about crime, they are less concerned that they will be a victim of terrorism, become seriously ill or be injured in a car accident.

Only 12% of Irish people believe they will be subject to a terrorist attack as against the EU average of 20%.

Despite the increasing carnage on Irish roads, just 35% think it is "likely" they will be injured in a car accident compared to an EU average of 51%.