Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy introduced in the course of his question the incidence of routine gangland murders involving the use of firearms. Whereas there was an increase in the number of homicides involving the use of knives last year, there was a decline in the number of gangland murders. The reason for this was the incessant activity of the Garda Síochána in connection with Operation Anvil. A careful examination of the statistics pertaining to the robbery of cash in transit vehicles demonstrates that there was a significant decline in the amount taken last year. That is the lifeblood of criminal gangs who wish to purchase firearms. I draw attention to this fact.

We have a very serious problem with regard to the use of knives and offensive weapons. In that context, it is worth noting that the investigation into the recent incident — the basis of the Deputy's question — has not been completed but on the evidence of one of the statements made to the Garda, the implement that may have been used was a screwdriver. It is not possible to regulate the sale, distribution and possession of screwdrivers. That is an illustration of the difficulty in strengthening the law.

The Deputy mentioned an incident involving the use of a samurai sword, which resulted in my asking the Commissioner to complete a review of the subject to see if the law could be strengthened in connection with the use of such an implement. I await the findings of that review which I understand from the Commissioner will be completed very soon.

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