Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The report by the World Health Organisation relies primarily on data from a variety of medical and health related sources across Europe. In the case of Ireland, the data comes, essentially, from the CSO's medical and health related data, rather than from crime statistics. Statistics on deaths are compiled from data supplied on the medical cause of death certificate completed by medical practitioners and coroners. The report acknowledges that there are limitations in the data used and notes that since countries' systems and practices for recording and processing health data vary, the availability and accuracy of the data reported to WHO may vary. Any interpretations of the report should take account of these factors.

The CSO's recorded crime statistics show that the number of cases of murder and manslaughter involving a knife declined from 32 in 2007 to 19 in 2009. In the first half of this year there were eight such cases. The CSO crime statistics showed a 35% decrease in the overall number of cases murder and manslaughter last year and the year before, compared to 2007. I am glad this trend has continued in the current year and the figures for the second quarter of 2010 show a 20% decrease in the number of murders compared to the same period in 2009.

While this trend is welcome, I and the Government are concerned at the incidence of homicides among young people, especially involving knives. Legislation on the use of knives and similar weapons is extremely robust and heavy penalties are in place. Following the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, there is a maximum penalty of five years for possessing a knife in a public place and the Garda Síochána has an extended power of search without warrant.

The WHO report highlights the misuse of alcohol as a factor in homicides. The Government has also provided increased powers to the Garda to deal with public order problems arising form the misuse of alcohol, including powers under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 to confiscate alcohol. In 2009, the Garda Commissioner and I launched a knife awareness campaign to inform and educate young people on the dangers of carrying knives with the aim of reducing the number of incidents of knife crime. The campaign targeted a young male audience with messages delivered through role models in the sporting and media worlds and incorporated a series of local roadshow events as well a dedicated website and a presence on social networking sites.

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