Peadar Tóibín
Question:1113. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of stabbings/knife crimes, reported to gardaí, per county, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [1519/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (1113)
Written answers
I strongly condemn any use of knives to threaten, intimidate or harm others. The Government, and I as Minister, are committed to ensuring that the problems that we have seen in neighbouring jurisdictions do not repeat themselves here.
As the Deputy will be aware, 'knife crime' is a broad term, which has no official classification in crime statistics compiled by An Garda Síochána and published by the Central Statistics Office.
This is because knives may be used in the commission of many different types of offence, ranging from threats and intimidation, robbery and aggravated burglary to serious assaults and murder. There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime.
Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed that address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, when considering trends in knife related crime, it is important to look at multiple perspectives to get the complete picture. An Garda Síochána produced a report in February 2021 analysing trends in knife related crime, available at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/analysis-of-knife-related-crime-data-february-2021.pdf
I am advised that an updated report, to end of 2023, is being prepared with a view to publication when complete.
There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned with the maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place, without good reason or lawful authority, of five years.
In addition, the Government recently doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to 10 years. The offence of assault causing serious harm has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Additionally, the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which I chair, is examining a broad range of issues, with a focus on developing measures which will address the factors that give rise to anti-social behaviour and its impact on community morale and quality of life. The causes of anti-social behaviour are multifaceted and complex and include, but are not limited to, addiction, unemployment, social and economic issues.
Members of the Forum are drawn from a number of State agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and key Government Departments, as well as a broad representation of community, business, academic and other experts.
To date, four sub-groups of the Forum have been established to consider specific issues, including knife crime. Similar sub-groups can be established to examine other issues as required. A number of options are being considered including increasing public awareness and the review of sentences for those convicted of certain knife crime offences in Ireland.