Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has welcomed Government approval to amend legislation to increase sentences for knife crime. Cabinet ministers gave the green-light to plans to change the existing laws after work done by Fianna Fáil Minister, James Browne, through the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum. According to Deputy Smith, his party is working to tackle law and order as an "absolute priority."
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Smith said that we are seeing "far too much" knife crime on our streets across the country and there is a need for stronger sentencing to deter criminals. He added that the amended legislation will change the maximum penalty for these serious knife crime offences, to a 7-year maximum sentence.
Deputy Smith continued; "The amended legislation will change the maximum penalty for these serious knife crime offences, clearly targeting persons who have a willingness and intent to use knives, to a 7-year maximum sentence. The penalty for importing and selling knives and such weapons will increase from 7 to 10 years. Fianna Fáil is serious about tackling knife crime. We have long believed a strengthening of our laws is required in order to protect our communities from people who carry and use knives. It is welcome that action is now being taken three years after we introduced this amendment. Families and communities right across Ireland are being left devastated by the brutal nature of knife attacks. It has to stop."
