Vol. 521 No. 5
151 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to curb the increased number of violent incidents involving knives; if he will provide the latest figures for the number of incidents for which data is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17787/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of incidents involving knives in 1998 was 1,063, with 494 of these detected. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that in the first nine months of 1999, January to September inclusive, there were 787 incidents, 419 of which were detected. From October 1999 to date a total of 683 incidents have been recorded. Details in relation to detections for this period are not yet available. I should point out that the figures for 1999 onwards are provisional.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the question of what further measures might be taken in relation to the carrying of knives for no lawful purpose is currently under review by my Department in consultation with the Garda authorities. I will make a further statement on the matter at a later stage.
