Statement by Minister Jim O'Callaghan on "An Garda Síochána - Knife Related Crime Analysis 2015-2024" report published today

I welcome today’s comprehensive knife crime analysis report published by An Garda Síochána. There are several positive aspects to the findings, including an overall drop in assaults involving knives and an increase in knife seizures by Gardai and prosecutions.

The data shows Assaults Causing Harm with a knife accounted for, on average, less than 7% of Assault Causing Harm incidents over the past 10 years. The findings also show a 40% reduction in robbery with a knife in retail spaces and a 35% reduction in robbery with a knife in public spaces since 2020. This downward trend is to be welcomed.

Through its assault reduction strategy An Garda Siochana will continue to use proactive measures to reduce even further the number of assaults using knives. This strategy is informed by high-visibility patrols and an early investigation approach.

We now have a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime. Maximum sentences for knife-related offences such as trespassing with a knife, and producing a knife to unlawfully intimidate another person has been recently increased from 5 to 7 years imprisonment. In addition, the Government doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to 10 years. The offence of assault causing serious harm already has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

However, I am concerned that the findings also show that most incidents of harm involving a knife occur in residential settings. I intend to raise the findings of this report with incoming Commissioner Justin Kelly when we meet early next week.

My message has always been clear - carrying a knife without lawful authority is illegal and I condemn the use of knives to threaten, intimidate or harm others.