John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 627: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has taken in view of the recent knife attacks in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30747/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following a number of recent incidents of crimes committed using knives in the Mayo Garda Division, a number of arrests were made. The persons arrested were subsequently charged and are currently before the courts. While local Garda Management is concerned at recent developments, it is of the view that knife crime is not especially prevalent in this Division. In monitoring crime trends, the Divisional Officer and his senior management team have tailored the policing arrangements in the Division to take account of particular issues which arise on an ongoing basis.

Policing measures are in place to identify areas where disorderly conduct is likely to occur, and resources are deployed accordingly. Any person suspected of carrying an offensive weapon, especially a knife, is liable to be searched. Areas where groups of young people tend to congregate are subject to regular patrols and increased Garda attention.

Areas identified as public order hot-spots within the Division are the subject of targeted policing, including strict enforcement of the relevant legislative provisions. Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and are dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. The Divisional Drugs Unit has been especially pro-active in carrying out searches of suspects entering and leaving night clubs.

Legislation on the use of knives and similar weapons is extremely robust and heavy penalties are in place. The Garda Commissioner last year made recommendations in relation to knives and sharply pointed or bladed weapons, and subsequently the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 was enacted. The maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place has been increased from one to five years, and An Garda Síochána have been given an extended power of search without warrant in relation to knives and offensive weapons.

In tandem with the new legislation, samurai swords have been banned from importation and sale, though exceptions have been made for collectors and martial artists. Last February, the Garda Commissioner and I launched a Knife Awareness Campaign by An Garda Síochána to inform and educate young people on the dangers of carrying knives and with the aim of reducing the number of incidents of knife crime.