James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. I know he has genuine concerns, particularly relating to his own area of Cork. The Garda has a proactive approach to these kinds of concerns when hotspots develop so gardaí can intervene very early to address the matter at an early stage. The youth justice strategy that will be published towards the end of this year will also be important in providing full wrap-around interventions where these concerns arise. We will also be establishing an antisocial behaviour forum so we can have a full suite of interventions for these issues.

The Deputy mentioned the possibility of an amnesty to tackle knife crime. I completely sympathise with the objective of conducting an amnesty in order to do something constructive in the face of every tragic incident involving the use of knives or similar items. However, the consistent expert advice from An Garda Síochána is that such an amnesty is unlike to lead to any significant benefit. It is well understood that in many cases, ordinary household kitchen knives are used for such crimes. It has not been the experience that knives of this type are handed in during an amnesty. However, I am assured by Garda authorities that tackling knife crime remains a top priority for the organisation. Gardaí tackle this by way of a rigorous enforcement policy, education and an awareness-raising programme, and they have an extended power of search without warrant relating to knives and offensive weapons. I thank the Deputy again for raising this important matter.

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