Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend Deputy O'Callaghan on bringing forward this important legislation and for highlighting what is a growing menace with society, namely, knife crime. I found it disturbing to hear Deputy O'Callaghan refer during his First Stage introduction of the Bill to the fact that the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána has increased by 66% since 2016. In 2017, 1,600 knives were seized by An Garda Síochána and in 2018, 2,000 knives were seized. Clearly, the problem is getting much worse. Our response must be proportionate. We must ensure that we do not end up capturing with endless procedures those who must use or carry knives as a legitimate part of their job. That is, I suppose, part of the difficulty.

I note that the Bill before us is quite specific in that it relates to the possession of a flick-knife or any other article made or adapted for use in order to cause injury to or to incapacitate a person. That is an important distinction and I am glad it is included.

This issue, while of course about the law, is also about the culture we live in today and that we are creating. We must ask ourselves what is leading to the emergence of a more dangerous and more violent society. Why is it that an increasing number of young people feel it necessary to carry deadly weapons, such as knives? No doubt there has been a general degrading of the value of human life. We cannot pretend that this will not have an impact because it has. This is as much an educational and values issues as it is a legal one. I hope that we can bear that in mind when debating this Bill and when it goes forward to Committee Stage. We must try to gain an understanding of what in society is creating such violence and the staggering figures I quoted of the number of knives seized in the past two years. As I said, it is an educational issue.

We also need to ensure gardaí are given enough of those so-called "knife-vests" to protect themselves in the course of their duties. People in Tipperary and in many other areas are always looking for extra gardaí and extra resources. In that regard, we are badly served. I have taken issue with the removal of the district headquarters from Thurles. However, we must give the Garda the tools of the trade across a wide spectrum of issues to ensure they are able to carry out their duties without fear or favour, and that they can be safe, and that their families and loved ones will know that they are safe, when they go on duty on the front line. We must never forget that there is a thin line between them and us and they must try to protect us at all times.

Perhaps the Minister of State might confirm that this will be a part of his response to the growth of this worrying phenomenon.

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