Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1057. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice her plans to promote the Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2019 that sought to increase the maximum sentence for possession of a knife with intent to cause harm from 5 years to 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32609/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. Problems have emerged in neighbouring jurisdictions in relation to knife crime and the Government is determined to ensure similar problems do not develop here in Ireland. Although the problem is not of a similar scale here, any stabbing incident can cause irreparable physical harm and have potentially tragic consequences. That is why a comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned.
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 for knives and offensive weapons. I am advised a substantial number of convictions have been secured in the courts over the past number of years for possession of a knife or other similar article. Sentencing policy is kept under ongoing review by my Department.
There has been a reduction in reported crimes against persons in the first two quarters of this year versus last year and according to the Central Statistics Office, in the first quarter the "assault causing harm" category fell 23.9% and in the second quarter it fell 16.9% when compared with the same periods in the previous year.
An Garda Síochána is currently operating an assault reduction strategy for 2019 to 2021, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults in public, 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, gardaí proactively target public disorder and antisocial behaviour, including knife-related crime, through the strategic deployment of Garda resources, and areas identified as public order hotspots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols.
In relation to the Firearms and Offence Weapons (Amendment) Private Member’s Bill (PMB), this Bill passed second stage in the Dáil on 2 October 2019. However, this Bill subsequently lapsed with the dissolution of the Dáil and the Seanad, and was not restored.
I will shortly commence a public consultation on the development of a new Three Year Strategy for the Department of Justice. I would of course welcome any submission the Deputy would like to make in relation the priorities which should be set as part of this Plan.
