Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce new programmes to deter young persons from carrying knives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42424/20]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I share the Deputy's concern on the issue of knife crime and indeed 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 here in Ireland as any stabbing incident has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and/or tragic consequences.

That 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 for a 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 in relation 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 Gardaí have secured a substantial number of convictions in the Courts in recent years for possession of a knife or other weapon.

As one might expect, statistics on seizures of knives by Gardaí in the period from 2005 to 2019 show that 44% of seizures relating to individuals from the ages of 12 to 23 and 65% to individuals under the age of 30. In addition, it would be expected that, as our Garda numbers have been increasing, the enforcement numbers for crimes such as possession of weapons or possession of drugs would also increase.

I am advised that HSE data indicates that those being admitted overnight with knife injuries has dropped. In 2019, there were 178 such incidents, a drop from the average of 236 between 2005 and 2011. So, although An Garda Síochána are seizing more knives, the number of people who are presenting to hospital with the more serious injuries which require an overnight stay is dropping.

An Garda Síochána is currently operating a Reduction Strategy 2019-2021, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults, including use of knives. This strategy is informed by a pro-arrest, early-investigation and proactive high-visibility approach. It places particular emphasis on prevention, education and awareness. The strategy promotes early prosecution of offenders where feasible and operationally appropriate.

An Garda Síochána also addresses knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives. 

At an operational level, I am informed that Gardaí pro-actively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife-related crime, through the strategic deployment of Garda resources, and areas identified as public order hot-spots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols. 

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has published a new draft Youth Justice Strategy.  The draft Strategy is currently being refined with reference to the outcome of the recent public consultation and the views of key stakeholders and I expect to be in a position to present the finalised version to Government in the near future.