Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It is encouraging to note that the number of murders involving a knife in the first half of this year dropped significantly to just three. By comparison, there were 33 such crimes in 2007. All such incidents are, of course, to be deplored. This country's law on knives, and offensive weapons generally, is extremely robust. The provisions of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 prohibit the unlawful carrying of knives or articles which have a blade or are sharply pointed, or any other article made or adapted to cause injury. It creates a number of offences. For example, it is an offence for a person, while committing or appearing to commit an offence or in the course of a fight, to produce in a manner likely to intimidate any article likely to inflict serious injury. It also sets out offences for the possession or use of a knife or blade or other sharp instrument without lawful purpose. Our law also prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, hire or loan of certain weapons.

Earlier this year, when he was considering whether any further strengthening of the law was necessary, my predecessor asked the Garda Commissioner for his views. The advice of the Office of the Attorney General was sought following the receipt of the views and recommendations of the Commissioner. My Department recently received that advice. I intend to bring forward proposals as soon as possible to further strengthen our legislation in this area. Specifically, I am developing proposals to increase search powers, to outlaw items such as samurai swords and to provide that less serious offences which can only be dealt with summarily at present can also be dealt with on indictment, thus incurring heavier penalties. As I have previously explained to the House, an obvious difficulty arises because many knives are household items and become offensive weapons in particular circumstances only. The Garda Síochána proactively targets groups and individuals involved in anti-social and more serious behaviour, which unfortunately can involve the use of knives and similar weapons. It also identifies and tackles hotspots where such behaviour is taking place.

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