Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
596. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the legal position relating to the carrying of a weapon (details supplied); her plans to update the regulations in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5922/21]
View answerI share the Deputy's concern on the issue of knife crime, and indeed all violent assaults, and I wish to extend my sympathies to all those impacted by the recent incidents in Dublin.
We are all familiar with the problems in neighbouring jurisdictions in this regard and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems do not develop here in Ireland as any stabbing incident has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and/or tragic consequences, as we have recently witnessed.
There is already a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place for offences involving knives, including heavy maximum penalties. Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years. An Garda Síochána also has an extended power of search without warrant in relation to knives and offensive weapons. However, my Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review.
I am advised that the Gardaí have secured a substantial number of convictions in the Courts in recent years for possession of a knife or other weapon.
An Garda Síochána is currently operating an Assault Reduction Strategy 2019-2021, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults, including use of knives. This strategy is informed by a pro-arrest, early-investigation and proactive high-visibility approach. It places particular emphasis on prevention, education and awareness. The strategy promotes early prosecution of offenders where feasible and operationally appropriate.
An Garda Síochána also addresses knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives.
At an operational level, I am informed that Gardaí pro-actively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife-related crime, through the strategic deployment of Garda resources, and areas identified as public order hot-spots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department will shortly publish a new Youth Justice Strategy which will look at ways to divert people away from crime. The draft Strategy is currently being refined with reference to the outcome of public consultations and the views of key stakeholders and I expect to be in a position to present the finalised version to Government in the near future.
