Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. It is of concern that the rate of violent crime and crime with weapons has increased, especially knife crime. The Minister for Justice is conscious of this. The Garda Commissioner is developing a strong community garda initiative. There are strong penalties upon conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority, having been increased from one to five years. The powers of search without warrant have been extended for knives and offensive weapons. I take the point that has been made about an amnesty. Such amnesties happened in the past. I will certainly discuss that with the Minister for Justice to see if issues around that can be pursued.

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