Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I can speak for all Members on this matter. I condemn the killing in Arklow yesterday. I convey my sympathies to the family of the deceased and the people of Arklow. It is a traumatic time for the people who live there. We introduced new legislation to the House which increased the penalty for the use of knives. There are heavy penalties for offences involving weapons under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 and the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. As well as taking rigorous action against such criminal activity, the Garda is involved in a campaign specifically dealing with the use of such weapons. I recognise the Garda is investigating the situation and all the available resources of the force will, hopefully, address the serious issues. The legislative framework has been changed. It is terribly unfortunate that such an incident has taken place in Arklow town.

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