Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It is a matter of concern that the number of murders involving knives or sharp instruments doubled from 18 in 2006 to 36 last year. I should add, however, that the overall number of incidents involving such weapons recorded by the Garda Síochána decreased from 1,138 in 2006 to 934 in 2007.

Our legislation already prescribes strong penalties for offences involving the use of knives and similar weapons. The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 and the Offensive Weapons Order 1991, which contain the criminal law in this area, lay down strict prohibitions on such weapons and severe penalties for breaking those prohibitions. Indeed, our law generally provides heavy penalties for offences involving weapons. A person found guilty of murder through stabbing or otherwise is liable to the highest possible penalty of a mandatory life sentence.

Earlier this year, my predecessor as Minister asked the Garda Commissioner to review the law in this area to see whether further measures should be taken. The Commissioner recently finalised his review and my Department is currently examining it. If necessary, we will strengthen our law even further. In considering this matter, we must be conscious that it would not be practical to ban or restrict many of the knives or similar weapons often used in attacks as they have legitimate uses in the home and workplaces. We must target instead their possession in inappropriate circumstances.

The Garda Policing Plan 2008, which reflects the priorities set for the force by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Garda Síochána Act, contains a series of measures to target the use of knives and similar offensive weapons for violent attacks. As well as taking rigorous action under the criminal law against those found carrying such weapons, the Garda will launch later this year a media campaign addressing this behaviour.

The use of knives and other weapons can arise in the context of incidents of public disorder and excessive consumption of alcohol. The Garda Policing Plan 2008 includes actions to proactively target groups and individuals involved in anti-social behaviour and to identify hotspots where such behaviour is taking place. The Government yesterday approved legislation to address the sale of intoxicating liquor from which anti-social behaviour often results and this will be published shortly.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Policing by An Garda Síochána of communities is a key factor in addressing this type of behaviour. Significant progress is being made to increase the strength of the force to 15,000 by 2010. The current attested strength of the force on 30 April was 13,874. Furthermore, hundreds of extra civilian staff have been recruited to free up gardaí for frontline policing.

I am sure the House will agree that we need to get the message across to young people in particular that carrying knives or other offensive weapons is dangerous and wrong and can lead to disastrous consequences.

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