Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
553. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to bring forward legislation to combat the threat of violence posed by the unlawful possession of knives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5911/22]
View answer554. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to bring forward legislation to respond to the increasing threat posed by knife crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5912/22]
View answer555. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if in the context of the need to display zero tolerance towards violence against women, she is prepared to introduce new legislation to combat knife crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5913/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 553, 554 and 555 together.
Violent crime has no place in our society. Fear of harassment and violence should never be normalised and nobody should have to think about it as they go about their daily life.
As the Deputy will be aware, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, I have established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. This forum is considering the effectiveness of existing legislation and looking at proposals for new ways forward, including whether new powers for Gardaí and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders are needed. Members of the Forum, which I chair, include An Garda Síochána, Government Departments, community groups, business community members and NGOs.
The Forum is examining a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of ASB on community morale and quality of life. This has included two subgroups established to consider the specific issues of knife crime and the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes. Other subgroups may be established to tackle additional specific issues as required.
The knife crime subgroup are assessing available evidence to inform policy on knife crime, with particular reference to effectiveness of proposals, to inform both legislation and community safety policies, programmes and practices. The work of this subgroup is ongoing and is expected to conclude in Q1 2022.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. Indeed, the maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
Legislative responses alone will not provide a ready solution and evidence from other jurisdictions indicate that simply adopting harsher penalties will not lead to a reduction in the incidence of these crimes. Our existing five year sentence for knife possession is longer than in the UK, for example, where a four year penalty applies. It is important to note that there are no quick-fix solutions, based on international experience, and longer term, evidence-based strategies are needed.
We will continue to examine all possible options as part of the work of the sub-group, including those undertaken in other jurisdictions, and do our utmost to ensure that our communities are, and feel, safe.
To that end I would appeal to anyone who believes that carrying or using any form of weapon, be it a knife, or even a fist, to stop and think of the lasting damage and consequences of those decisions. Even if you believe that you are protecting yourself, the lasting impact of an assault is felt long after the blow is struck.
As the Deputy will be aware, combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is a priority for this Government. This is reflected in budget allocations and in the development of our policy and legislation.
Minister McEntee is leading work on a new whole of government DSGBV strategy which will be the most ambitious to date. It will be structured around the four pillars of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Co-ordinated Policies. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in Irish society for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Department of Justice will also assume responsibility for services for victims of DSGBV, in addition to policy responsibility.
The Government is also continuing to drive forward the full implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey. This will ensure victims of crime are fully supported by our system.
