I am sure the Taoiseach is appreciative, as I am, of the way in which the gardaí have effectively conducted policing throughout Covid. However, the Central Statistics Office figures issued recently show that while generally, crime rates are down by a third, crime with weapons has increased by 25%, particularly knife crime. Assault rates are almost as high as they were before the pandemic and sexual assault remains as high as it was before the pandemic. There are worrying signs of increased aggression and sometimes it is racially motivated. Would the Taoiseach consider new initiatives, such as that suggested by my colleague, Deputy Neale Richmond? The knife amnesty was successful in Scotland. The new Garda Commissioner's approach to community policing is welcome but we need to look at international innovations to see if we can maximise the effectiveness of our deployment to ensure that people feel safe on the street.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. It is of concern that the rate of violent crime and crime with weapons has increased, especially knife crime. The Minister for Justice is conscious of this. The Garda Commissioner is developing a strong community garda initiative. There are strong penalties upon conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority, having been increased from one to five years. The powers of search without warrant have been extended for knives and offensive weapons. I take the point that has been made about an amnesty. Such amnesties happened in the past. I will certainly discuss that with the Minister for Justice to see if issues around that can be pursued.