Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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540. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána in the Dublin region in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35974/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009, the maximum penalty 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 have an extended power of search without warrant in relation to knives and offensive weapons.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 20 July 2017 the number of knives recorded as seized in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on PULSE in 2015, 2016 and 2017 were 791, 696 and 410 respectively. These figures are provisional, operational and subject to change.I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is addressing the issue of knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives. Community Gardaí, in particular in the DMR, have used focus groups to discuss issues surrounding knife crime and the dangers associated with same. An Garda Síochána tackle knife crime through a tiered approach, by way of a rigorous enforcement policy, education programme and awareness raising campaigns. District Detective Units also monitor vendors engaged in the sale of knives.

An Garda Síochána is currently developing a national anti-knife, awareness-raising, crime-prevention initiative, for delivery to coincide with the wintertime ‘Thor’ initiatives and Halloween which is traditionally a high knife crime period.