Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If we look at the legislation that goes through the Oireachtas, vast amounts of very detailed legislation goes through. As Deputy Pringle knows, when it comes to the offences, we are limited to fines or maximum terms of imprisonment. We do not have any other penalties set out in our legislation for breaches of the criminal law. It would be an interesting process to see what other types of punishments we could introduce other than some community service because, generally, it is fines or imprisonment. That is what we are dealing with at present. It is a valid point, but I do think as the Oireachtas, and I know Deputy Pringle is not disputing this, we are entitled to set out how seriously we regard a criminal offence.

I note Deputy Pringle's point that five years is a long time in prison. It is a long time, but I do not think anyone is suggesting that this would apply to somebody caught for the first time in possession of a knife. This offence and charge would be triggered in situations where it is combined with other offences, where somebody has been charged with manslaughter or with a serious assault as well. They will also be charged with possession of a knife for the purpose of inflicting harm.