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Crime Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Ceisteanna (192)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

192. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of recent increases in knife crime, she will reconsider introducing a weapons amnesty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6315/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is very conscious of the dangers presented by knife crime, and indeed all violent assaults. Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and tragic consequences and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems to those which have developed in neighbouring jurisdictions do not develop here in Ireland.

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. 

While I understand the objective of conducting an amnesty in the face of very tragic incidents involving the use of knives, the consistent expert advice from An Garda Síochána is that such an amnesty is not likely to yield any significant benefits. Indeed it is well understood that, in many instances, ordinary household/kitchen knives are used in such crimes and it has not been the experience that knives of this type are handed in during any amnesty.

Questions Nos. 193 and 194 answered with Question No. 191.
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