Fine Gael National Press Office Press Release

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Flanagan seeks to ban samurai swords after spate of attacks

Swords for sale on internet for just €60

Following a spate of incidents and attacks involving samurai swords, Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Charlie Flanagan TD is proposing a ban on these weapons to take them out of circulation.

"The last month has seen a number of bizarre and serious attacks on members of the public by individuals wielding samurai swords. In one incident in Cork a young man was seriously injured after being attacked.

"Samurai swords can be bought on the internet and shipped into Ireland for as little as €60. There is currently no prohibition on these weapons which can be used for lethal purposes. Although a small number of individuals and martial artists collect samurai swords, it is simply too dangerous to allow them to be circulated freely.

"The UK has moved to ban the sale of samurai swords after the weapons were used in a number of serious attacks. The rash of violent incidents in Ireland should see a similar ban in this jurisdiction. However, the Department of Justice has no plans to outlaw these potentially lethal weapons.

"This week a man attacked two Gardaí in Dublin with a samurai sword, while last weekend a young man was seriously injured after he was assaulted by another man with a similar weapon. Fire officers in Dundalk and Bray were threatened in the course of their duties by men wielding samurai swords. In the Bray incident a fireman had to turn his hose on to the assailant.

"The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act of 1990 should be amended to include a ban on samurai swords. This would also include a ban on the sale, possession or importation of the weapons into Ireland. Permits should be available for collectors and practitioners of the martial arts. However, we cannot tolerate a situation where these lethal weapons can be freely bought and sold."