'There is no quick-fix' - Almost 200 knives seized in Laois/Offaly Garda Division in three years

There were almost 200 knives seized by gardaí in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division over a three year period, according to new figures from the Department of Justice. 

In the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 there were 172 knives seized by gardaí in the division. The figures were released following a parliamentary question by  Deputy Peadar Tóibín to the Minister for Justice. 

There has been a drop off in knife seizures in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division in recent years, according to the figures. In 2022 86 knives were seized, this fell to 51 in 2023 and 35 last year. It comes as tougher legislation was introduced in 2024 to tackle knife crime across the country. 

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Responding to the question, Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan said: "I strongly condemn the use of knives to threaten, intimidate or harm others. I am committed to ensuring that communities are safe and tackling knife crime is an important element of that.

"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.

"There is, however, a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime. Last year, legislation was introduced which increased the maximum penalty for the offences of possession of a knife with intent to cause injury, trespassing with a knife, and producing a knife to unlawfully intimidate another person, from 5 to 7 years imprisonment.

"In addition, the Government doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to 10 years in 2023 The offence of assault causing serious harm already has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment."