asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the prevalence of knifing offences in recent years, he will say what action he proposes to take to deal with such offences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offensive Weapons.
41.
As has already been announced, the Criminal Justice Bill will include provisions strengthening the law in relation to offensive weapons.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread concern on the part of certain people in the city at the prevalence of knifing incidents at the present time and that it is dangerous for people in certain areas of the city to appear out after a particular hour of the night? What does the Government intend to do about it?
It has been indicated that legislation is being introduced to deal with this matter as well as other aspects of crime prevention.
Was that not introduced by Deputy Lenihan about 12 months ago?
Is the Minister not aware we have been promised that legislation for the past two years?
I am aware of the power of exaggeration of the Deputy. Deputy Corish said 12 months ago and immediately Deputy L'Estrange makes it two years. I wonder what it will be when it gets to the end of the Fine Gael bench?
It will be two years in June since I asked a question about this. That means it is only one month short of two years. Is the Minister aware that young blackguards appeared on Telefís Éireann bragging about knifing incidents in which they had engaged? Has any action been taken to identify any of these people?
(Interruptions.)
I would like to know what programme the Deputy is discussing?
"The Late, Late Show". These blackguards appeared and told how they used knives. One stated that he got 21 stitches and he replied by giving the man, a week or a fortnight afterwards, 28 stitches.
No, 22.
Was it? No, it was 28. Was any effort made by the Department of Justice to identify any of these young blackguards and pups who are still roaming the city?
This does not appear to be relevant.
The Deputy had better watch out for himself.
I do not give a damn. Surely, because of the widespread concern, the Minister should take action to identify those people and lock them up in Mountjoy?
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy is entitled to go on "The Late, Late Show" if he so wishes.
Will the Minister speak up so that he can be heard?
(Interruptions.)
42.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a comb with a pointed metal handle (details supplied), which is on sale in Dublin, could be used as a particularly dangerous offensive weapon; and if he can take any action to prevent the sale of this comb.
The comb mentioned and shown to me seems to be a commercial product in which the metal extension on a weak flexible body is designed for a specific, legitimate purpose.
I do not think that it could be classified as a dangerous weapon.