Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I put it to the Minister that we have a serious problem with crime, particularly knife crime. The Minister has confirmed that the number of murders involving knives and sharp weapons has increased substantially over recent years. There were 18 such murders in 2006, but that figure increased to 34 last year. The Minister has been less than hasty in dealing with the content of the Garda Commissioner's review of this area. Does he agree that it is insufficient, in the present circumstances, for him to engage in a public relations exercise entitled "it's not cool to carry a knife"? Serious knife crime is occurring on a daily basis in every part of the country. Hospital employees are wearing protective vests, particularly at weekends, to shield themselves from knife-wielding youths. More than a public relations exercise is needed. I acknowledge and welcome the Minister's decision to ban the samurai sword, which is something I adverted to in this House in recent months. The Minister and his predecessor had indicated that such a ban was not necessary. Will the Minister ensure that legislation prohibiting such weapons is introduced and enacted at the earliest possible opportunity?

See this speech in context