asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the alarming number of stabbing incidents throughout the country, he will introduce the "cat" as a fitting punishment for those convicted of such attacks and assaults.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stabbing Incidents.
48.
The answer is in the negative. I have no hesitation whatsoever in saying that flogging would not prove an effective deterrent for crimes of violence or, indeed, for any crime.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
I am seriously concerned at the situation and I have under active consideration the question of promoting legislation to control the sale and possession of flick knives and offensive weapons of that kind. The matter is not free from difficulties and I am not in a position to say more at the moment.
Will the Minister say if he intends to introduce punishment to fit the crime in this matter?
Stab the fellow back?
Punishment which will act as a deterrent.
I think the main purpose of police action in matters of this kind is prevention and it is with that in view that I am considering the question of promoting legislation to deal with the sale and possession of offensive weapons such as flick knives. On the question of punishment, however, I think it would be retrograde to go back to the "cat" or to flogging as being any sort of proper punishment in this day and age and it would not act as a deterrent.
What about carrying these objectionable weapons?
It is a matter which is under consideration.
What about the sale of such offensive weapons?
The sale and possession of such weapons.