James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I am very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and the Government is determined to tackle this issue.

The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), which I am pleased to chair, is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum has examined existing data and possible approaches to community responses, as well as the legislative position. I have been briefed on the work of the sub-group and the question of what further measures might be progressed is subject to consultation with relevant stakeholders.

There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the 2016 - 2018 increase in recorded seizures is due in large part to the introduction of the Property and Exhibit Management System (PEMS) in 2016, which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives. More recently, the increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of objects of sub-type 'knife' linked as 'seized' with any incident reported since 01/01/2016 within the Divisions requested.

Figures are based upon operational data from the PULSE system and are liable to change.

Division	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Cork City	66	97	101	121	172	117	128	*
Cork West	*	13	26	16	15	35	19	*
Cork North	20	49	41	56	47	44	54	*
Total	86	159	168	193	234	196	201	N/A

* less than 10