Vol. 473 No. 6
44 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice if she will agree to change the law to treat attacks on members of the public, the Garda and prison officers by criminals using blood-filled syringes as attempted murder by a lethal weapon in view of the increasing frequency of such attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23058/96]
I accept that there is a serious problem arising from the increasing use of syringes to threaten, injure or intimidate people. While there are many provisions in the existing law which can be used to counter this activity, I accept that there is now a need for new and explicit provisions aimed specifically at this form of criminal conduct. As I announced on 20 January 1997, I hope to publish shortly a Bill to amend the law relating to non-fatal offences against the person. That Bill will contain new provisions aimed at people who use syringes to injure or threaten others.
