Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’Callaghan, has said that the latest stabbing of a teenager in Dublin shows that knife crime needs to be addressed urgently.
Fianna Fail plans to impose a 12-month sentence for anyone caught carrying a knife in public with intent to cause injury or serious harm to another. The move comes amid a wave of knife crime in recent months across the country.
Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Gardaí are investigating a serious assault that occurred at Glencairn Luas Stop in Leopardstown, Dublin 18. A teenager was approached by a group of males and during an altercation with one other male, he allegedly received a stab wound. He was taken to St. Vincents Hospital by Ambulance on Monday night. I would like to wish the young man a speedy recovery from this violent attack.
“The epidemic of knife crime across the country in the last year highlights how carrying a knife in public has become acceptable in certain areas. This attitude needs to be addressed.
“We need to eradicate this scourge and take back our streets for all people, day or night, and this is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. We will introduce a mandatory minimum 12-month sentence for the carrying of a knife in public with intent to cause injury or serious harm to another.”
“The brutal nature of knife attacks and their devastating impact on victims underlines the need to stamp out this practice and help protect communities. It is apparent that in recent years the incidence of knives being used in crime has increased significantly. The general population must realise that possession of a knife is a serious offence and the introduction of this new law will hopefully serve as a severe warning that we are serious about tackling knife crimes and culture in this country,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.
