Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 82: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new measures he proposes to introduce to address the escalating levels of knife crime. [21185/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a matter of concern that the number of murders involving knives or sharp instruments doubled from 18 in 2006 to 36 last year. I should add, however, that the overall number of incidents involving such weapons recorded by the Garda Síochána decreased from 1,138 in 2006 to 934 in 2007.

Our legislation already prescribes strong penalties for offences involving the use of knives and similar weapons. The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 and the Offensive Weapons Order 1991, which contain the criminal law in this area, lay down strict prohibitions on such weapons and severe penalties for breaking those prohibitions. Indeed, our law generally provides heavy penalties for offences involving weapons. A person found guilty of murder through stabbing or otherwise is liable to the highest possible penalty of a mandatory life sentence.

Earlier this year, my predecessor as Minister asked the Garda Commissioner to review the law in this area to see whether further measures should be taken. The Commissioner recently finalised his review and my Department is currently examining it. If necessary, we will strengthen our law even further. In considering this matter, we must be conscious that it would not be practical to ban or restrict many of the knives or similar weapons often used in attacks as they have legitimate uses in the home and workplaces. We must target instead their possession in inappropriate circumstances.

The Garda Policing Plan 2008, which reflects the priorities set for the force by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Garda Síochána Act, contains a series of measures to target the use of knives and similar offensive weapons for violent attacks. As well as taking rigorous action under the criminal law against those found carrying such weapons, the Garda will launch later this year a media campaign addressing this behaviour.

The use of knives and other weapons can arise in the context of incidents of public disorder and excessive consumption of alcohol. The Garda Policing Plan 2008 includes actions to proactively target groups and individuals involved in anti-social behaviour and to identify hotspots where such behaviour is taking place. The Government yesterday approved legislation to address the sale of intoxicating liquor from which anti-social behaviour often results and this will be published shortly.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Policing by An Garda Síochána of communities is a key factor in addressing this type of behaviour. Significant progress is being made to increase the strength of the force to 15,000 by 2010. The current attested strength of the force on 30 April was 13,874. Furthermore, hundreds of extra civilian staff have been recruited to free up gardaí for frontline policing.

I am sure the House will agree that we need to get the message across to young people in particular that carrying knives or other offensive weapons is dangerous and wrong and can lead to disastrous consequences.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has been in office for one year during which time there has been a 27% increase in murders, a 20% increase in firearms offences, as published today and a 31% increase in drug-related offences. Ireland has become a more violent and vicious place in which to live.

In 2003, eight murders were attributed to knife crime. By 2006 this number had increased to 23 and in 2007 to 36. I put it to the Minister that this dramatic increase in knife-related murders needs to be addressed. The Minister's predecessor, Deputy Brian Lenihan, earlier this year stated the Garda Síochána was at his request conducting a review in this regard. Perhaps the Minister will set out for us the nature of that review and say whether it has been completed. If so, what are the terms of the review?

I am disappointed to learn from the Minister's reply that he does not envisage any legislative change in this area. Is it the intention of the Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the Minister, to ensure areas of high incidence of crime are identified and subjected to greater police concentration with particular reference to knives, offensive weapons, swords and sharp objectives which are being used not only to maim people but to murder them and to terrorise communities? Very little has been done in recent times to address this issue. Perhaps the Minister will outline to the House his proposals in this regard.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I stated in my reply, the Garda Commissioner's report in this regard was recently received by my Department. The report makes a number of small suggestions in respect of changes in this area, including in respect of powers of search, the prohibition of swords and providing that some summary offences be tried on indictment. I have indicated previously that I will use the criminal justice (miscellaneous provisions) Bill, which it is hoped will be available in the next couple of months, as the legislative vehicle to make the changes recommended by the Garda Commissioner.

I raised the issue of the use of knives with the Garda Commissioner at my first meeting with him and sought assurance from him that the commitment given by him to my predecessor in regard to the targeting of hotspots at which young people with knives congregate, in the context of alcohol, will be implemented. As I stated in my reply, the Government has fast-tracked some elements of the report on the sale of alcohol and has approved the Bill, which it is expected will be published shortly, in regard to the taking of intoxicating liquor in public places and public disorder.

What is required at the end of the day is targeted action by the Garda Síochána. As I stated earlier, the Garda will shortly conduct a media campaign directed at young people in particular to try to ensure they are aware of the dangers of carrying such knives. The Garda Síochána has unprecedented resources available to it.