James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are many complex and interlinked reasons for the use of knives in the commission of offences. When some young people feel unsafe or under threat there can be a temptation to carry knives. Incidents involving knives tend to increase this trend and there are certainly no quick-fix solutions to tackling this type of behaviour, which is long-standing over many generations. Long-term, evidence-based strategies and local interventions by trusted youth workers are most effective as part of a wider strategic response to the types of crime in which knives are a feature, including antisocial behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.

I established the expert forum on antisocial behaviour in 2020. This has examined a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of this behaviour on community morale and quality of life. The forum operates four subgroups to consider specific issues, including one on knife crime, and has made a number of recommendations based on the available evidence to inform criminal justice policy in this area. This work resulted in last week’s approval by the Government of my proposal to amend legislation to increase sentences for a number of knife-related crimes and to strengthen the use of antisocial behaviour orders.

As Minister of State, I remain open to innovative solutions to tackle all types of crime. I understand that the consistent expert advice from An Garda Síochána is that an amnesty, as suggested by the Deputy, is not likely to yield significant benefits. As he will be aware, in many tragic instances, the weapon is an ordinary household kitchen knife or a screwdriver and it could not be expected that this type of device would be handed in during any amnesty, which would greatly limit its effectiveness.

I assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues with a range of proactive measures to tackle this issue, including its ongoing assault reduction strategy, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults, including the use of knives. This strategy is informed by a pro-arrest, early investigation and proactive, high-visibility approach.

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