Growing Knife Crime Culture Must Be Addressed Before More Lives Are Lost

Ireland's growing knife crime culture must be addressed before more lives are lost, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said.

Deputy O'Callaghan made the comments as Fianna Fáil's Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2019, which introduces tougher sentences for knife crime, reaches the second stage this week and will be debated during Private Members Business in Dáil Éireann.

Deputy O'Callaghan said: "By increasing the maximum sentence we would be sending a very clear message about knife crime. People must understand that carrying knives for no lawful purpose is not permitted and will be severely punished.

"I was informed earlier this year that the CSO does not release figures on the occurrence of crimes involving knives, nor does it appear that they will in the near future, due to concerns that the information provided through the PULSE database would yield inaccurate or misleading results."

Currently, people can get a maximum sentence of five years and / or a fine for carrying a knife intended to incapacitate or injure another person.

"This summer four people were killed in Dublin in knife attacks. Unfortunately, this reveals that people are carrying knives for the purpose of inflicting harm on others. At present the maximum penalty for being found in possession of a knife with intent to harm another is five years. The maximum sentence needs to be increased so that there is a real deterrent to cut down on the growing knife culture in Ireland. It is important that people are aware that carrying knives for no lawful purpose is not permitted and will be severely punished.

"The number of knives seized by An garda Síochána nationwide has increased by 66% in two years. There is growing anecdotal evidence too to show that knives are being used in a greater number of crimes, and yet the Minister for Justice cannot provide details," Deputy O'Callaghan concluded.

(MH/JG)