Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Government has been in office for one year during which time there has been a 27% increase in murders, a 20% increase in firearms offences, as published today and a 31% increase in drug-related offences. Ireland has become a more violent and vicious place in which to live.

In 2003, eight murders were attributed to knife crime. By 2006 this number had increased to 23 and in 2007 to 36. I put it to the Minister that this dramatic increase in knife-related murders needs to be addressed. The Minister's predecessor, Deputy Brian Lenihan, earlier this year stated the Garda Síochána was at his request conducting a review in this regard. Perhaps the Minister will set out for us the nature of that review and say whether it has been completed. If so, what are the terms of the review?

I am disappointed to learn from the Minister's reply that he does not envisage any legislative change in this area. Is it the intention of the Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the Minister, to ensure areas of high incidence of crime are identified and subjected to greater police concentration with particular reference to knives, offensive weapons, swords and sharp objectives which are being used not only to maim people but to murder them and to terrorise communities? Very little has been done in recent times to address this issue. Perhaps the Minister will outline to the House his proposals in this regard.

See this speech in context