Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

8. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she has taken to tackle the rising incidence of knife crime and seizures of knives in communities across Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41547/20]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise the matter of tackling rising incidence of knife crime and the seizure of knives in communities across Ireland. Will the Minister outline the plans that are in place to deal with this and the changes that will be put in place to tackle this growing problem?

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and I share his concern about knife crime and all violent assaults. We are familiar with the problems in neighbouring jurisdictions in this regard and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems do not develop in Ireland, particularly as any stabbing incident has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm or tragic consequences. This is why a comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place for offences involving knives, including heavy maximum penalties. Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty on conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years. An Garda Síochána also has an extended power of search without warrant relating to knives and offensive weapons.

Proactive policing measures such as person searches have increased by 76% this year, leading to an increase in the number of seizures. I am advised that the Garda has secured a substantial number of convictions in the courts in recent years for possession of knives or other weapons. As one might expect, statistics on seizures of knives by gardaí in the period from 2005 to 2019 indicate that 44% of seizures relate to individuals between the ages of 12 and 23 and 65% relate to individuals under the age of 30. In addition, it would be expected that as Garda numbers increase, the enforcement numbers for crimes such as possession of weapons or possession of drugs would also increase.

HSE data indicate that the number of people being admitted to health services overnight with knife injuries has dropped. In 2019, there were 178 such incidents, a drop from the average of 236 between 2005 and 2011. This means that although An Garda Síochána is seizing more knives, the number of people presenting to hospital with the more serious injuries that require an overnight stay in hospital is dropping. An Garda Síochána is currently operating a reduction strategy for the period 2019 to 2021, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults, including use of knives.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the reply. The figures I have received indicate a 10% increase in hospitalisation cases arising from knife crimes such as stabbings over the past two years. It is also my understanding that in 2019 over 2,000 knives were seized by gardaí but it is interesting that in the first six months of 2020, part of which involved the Covid-19 lockdown, there were 1,200 knives seized, an increase of 13%. This is of concern to me and my colleagues. My understanding is that in other jurisdictions, major programmes have been put in place to deal with this issue. In Scotland, for example, a major programme was implemented to deal with knife crime that has contributed to a reduction of over 50% in homicides arising from people using knives. Could we aim such a programme at young people and community groups in order to help get the message across on the use of knives?

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The increase in knife seizures comes as a result of greater targeted efforts by An Garda Síochána in trying to get knives off our streets as opposed to indicating an increase in crime rates. As I stated, the number of people requiring an overnight stay in hospital because of knife injuries is down significantly, indicating that the number of serious incidents is reducing. I will make inquiries on the Deputy's comment that the rate of hospitalisations has increased by 10%.

Knife crime is largely youth-oriented and we have published a draft youth strategy. We hope to refine it and have it published in final form in the next month or two. That will help to target those vulnerable young people who are exposed to knife crime and perhaps getting involved in those kinds of incidents. It is about redirecting them and education and awareness programmes will be very much part of that process.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is important that I acknowledge the work being done by gardaí and all the youth organisations in dealing with the matter. They are contributing to the efforts to deal with the problem.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contributions. I will certainly bring his concerns to the attention of the Department and An Garda Síochána.