Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1465.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested for knife crime in each of the past ten years, in each county, in tabular form. [31240/24]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, 'knife crime' is a broad term, which has no official classification in crime statistics compiled by An Garda Síochána and published by the Central Statistics Office. As a result, the information requested by the Deputy is not recorded in that way and is unavailable.

This is because knives may be used in the commission of many different types of offence, ranging from threats and intimidation, robbery and aggravated burglary to serious assaults and murder. There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime.

Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed that address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, when considering trends in knife-related crime, it is important to look at multiple perspectives to get the complete picture. An Garda Síochána produced a report in February 2021 analysing trends in knife related crime, available at the following link:

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/analysis-of-knife-related-crime-data-february-2021.pdf

I am advised that an updated report, to end of 2023, is being prepared with a view to publication when complete.

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 with the maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place, without good reason or lawful authority, of five years.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which recently passed all stages in both Houses, will increase on enactment the penalties for certain offences under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. These include the maximum penalty for the offences of possession of a knife, trespassing with a knife, and producing a knife to unlawfully intimidate another person, increasing from 5 to 7 years imprisonment.

In addition, the Government doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to 10 years earlier this year. The offence of assault causing serious harm already has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

To be of assistance to the Deputy, the below information supplied by the Garda authorities shows the number of summons/charges issued for offences under Sections 9 (4) and (5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (as amended).

Information supplied is operational and subject to change.

*Data for 2024 is from 1 January to 11 July.