Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Exactly, or to cut something that could be causing a problem.

Let us make this comparison. Why would a person walking along Grafton Street have a big knife or a dangerous knife in his or her pocket? There would be no requirement whatsoever for that. Of course, in introducing a Bill and bringing it before the House, one must be conscious of persons, such as fishermen, farmers or contractors, who might need a knife in their possession at all times, as I say, merely for the purpose of doing work and ordinary jobs for which a knife is required. We must acknowledge that and make sure we allow for that.

The message must go out, loud and clear, around Ireland that what Deputy O'Callaghan is trying to do is protect citizens. Whether it be the shopkeeper, the garda on the street or the person who may be moving money from their business, no one should be threatened by a menacing person with a knife. We must legislate to deal with such situations so that gardaí investigating crimes know the strong arm of the law will come down on those who unlawfully carry large or small knives for menacing purposes while at the same time acknowledge that they are required by others for work.

I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for bringing this important issue to the floor of the Dáil.

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