Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Crime Levels

11:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the claim made by the presiding judge of the Central Criminal Court that fatal stabbings are out of control; the steps being taken to deal with the significant increase in the number of stabbings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27028/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murders involving knives or sharp instruments increased from 23 in 2006 to 37 in 2007. This increase is a matter of concern. I am also informed that for the first six months of this year four murder offences involving a knife or sharp instrument have been recorded.

I am further informed that 721 proceedings were taken in 2006 for offences under sections 9(1), 9(4) and 10(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, and 554 proceedings taken in 2007. These offences relate to possession or trespassing with a knife or weapon of offence. It should be noted that some time can elapse between an offence and when proceedings in respect of it are taken.

Our legislation already prescribes very 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 for very heavy penalties for offences involving weapons. A person found guilty of murder through stabbing or otherwise is of course 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 has 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 have to be conscious that it would not be practical to ban or restrict many of the knives and similar weapons which are often used in attacks, as they have legitimate uses in home and workplaces. What we have to target instead is their possession in inappropriate circumstances.

The Garda Policing Plan for 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 Gardaí will be launching later this year a public awareness 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. To address this, I introduced the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, which is currently being considered by the House. The Bill contains a number of important reforms of the licensing laws and public order legislation, with the aim of addressing the adverse consequences of alcohol abuse in our society. The measures being proposed are a balanced response to problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

The Garda Policing Plan for 2008 includes actions to proactively target groups and individuals involved in anti-social behaviour and identify hot-spots where such behaviour is taking place.

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. As of May 2008 there were 13,874 fully attested members of An Garda Síochána. Furthermore, hundreds of extra civilian staff have been recruited to free up Gardaí for front-line policing.

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