THE CABINET has given its approval to proposed new legislation from Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern increasing the maximum jail term for carrying a knife in a public place from one to five years and giving greater search powers to the Garda.
The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 Section 34 will increase the penalty in the existing Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
The Minister said: “While existing legislation on the use of knives and similar weapons is already strong and heavy penalties are already in place, I have decided to strengthen the law. The changes include: increasing the maximum prison sentence for possessing a knife in a public place from one year to five years; and creating an extended power of search without warrant in certain circumstances.”
The legislation was considered by the Government last month. “I expect to publish the Bill shortly and have it before the Oireachtas for approval. In addition, I have directed the drafting of a new Firearms and Offensive Weapons Order which will deal with the issue of swords. In particular, I will be banning the sale of samurai swords.”
