Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to deal with some of the points that were raised. With regard to the CSO statistics on knife crime, while it is true the CSO does not currently record the statistics on knife crime, it is hoped the improved Garda IT system will mean the recording will meet CSO standards. The recording of knife crime statistics is also being considered by a high level working group.

In regard to issues of Government policy on Garda numbers, as the House is aware, the Government is totally committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, to provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. The evidence of this commitment is not difficult to find. Since the re-opening of the Garda College in 2014, almost 2,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. This accelerated recruitment of gardaí saw Garda numbers reach almost 14,000 by the end of 2018, with Garda numbers expected to be in the region of 21,000 by 2021. Furthermore, a total budget of €1.76 billion has been provided to An Garda Síochána in 2019, an increase of more than €100 million on the 2018 allocation. This substantial investment will provide new and leading edge technology to support front-line gardaí in carrying out their work in both rural and urban areas.

The programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities, and this is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has been long central to policing in this jurisdiction. As part of the overall strategy to tackle criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnership initiatives with important rural-based organisations such as the IFA, Muintir na Tire and other community organisations. These partnerships are very valuable and I want to thank the organisations involved.

The Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, has listened to all of the interventions from Deputies. While knife crime accounts for a small percentage of total assaults, nonetheless, I know it can have serious and devastating consequences for families. The Government's response to crime is focused on two main objectives, the first being investment in the Garda Síochána. As mentioned earlier, a new nationwide initiative has been put in place by the Garda to reduce the number of assaults and fear of assaults, and to make public places safer. This is a multi-strand operation, with a pro-arrest, early intervention, proactive, high-visibility policing focus. The second objective is the strengthening of the law, where it is necessary to do so. In that regard, the Minister is open to considering the case for increased penalties for the possession of knives and other offensive weapons and, as such, we do not oppose Deputy O'Callaghan's Bill, on which we compliment him. We will engage with him in regard to the range of penalties proposed.

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