Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I refer to what I said to Deputy Bacik earlier on in that there was a very informative report published by An Garda Síochána at the end of August, which showed that knife crime is down, knife seizures are up and knife injuries are down. However, that is of cold comfort to the 17-year-old young man who was injured over the weekend and indeed the 11-year-old. This is a more complex problem than simply amending criminal justice legislation.

It is an educational issue. The Deputy is correct, regrettably, when she suggests that some young men think it is necessary for defensive purposes to carry knives. If that happens and a knife is produced, there can be cataclysmic consequences not just for the victim but also for the perpetrator, who may not have intended to use it.

The antisocial behaviour forum was discussed in the Department by me recently. Work is being done on antisocial behaviour. In regard to where the forum is, there will be further engagement with the stakeholders in respect of it. I do not want to give an absolute commitment as to the outcome but there will be further consultation with the stakeholders.

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