Funeral arrangements for Josh Dunne will be announced on Tuesday
Knife thugs should spend more time behind bars in the wake of Josh Dunne’s tragic murder, a TD has demanded.
But Fianna Fail’s justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan also acknowledged longer sentences alone won’t solve the problem.
Speaking after the teenager was stabbed to death this week, he said: “What we really need to emphasise to young men and boys is that it’s unacceptable for them to carry knives.
“Very many young men and boys now carry knives because they think it’s important for their self-defence.
“But we have learned, not just from the case of Josh, but in similar cases involving Azzam Raguragui or Cameron Blair, that people are unfortunately being killed with knives at an increasing level in Ireland and we need to approach it with education and warning young people of the danger.
“But I do think it’s important we increase the maximum sentence of carrying a knife with intent to cause harm or intimidate a person.”
Josh, 16, from Ballymun, North Dublin, was fatally stabbed in East Wall on Tuesday evening where he was believed to have been helping to defend someone.
A Brazilian man in his 30s was arrested in relation to the attack.
Mr O’Callaghan also warned child victims of crime are being forgotten due to a gap in the Children’s Act that needs to be amended. It says child victims can no longer be named once someone is charged with an offence against them – even if the child is dead.
Speaking on RTE, the TD said: “Section 252 says in relation to any proceedings in an offence against a child, you can’t report the name or identify the child.
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“That makes sense when you’ve a child who is a victim of sexual abuse or has been assaulted, but it doesn’t if the child is deceased.
“While we’re able to talk now about how Josh Dunne was fatally stabbed, if somebody is charged, no broadcaster or newspaper will be able to report his name.
“Instead what we will hear is that a person has been charged in respect of the killing of a child. It creates an absurdity, as you can see.”
Irish soccer legend Robbie Keane also paid tribute to Josh who was described as a talented player.
He said: “Heartbreaking. A talented young footballer gone way too soon.”
Funeral arrangements for Josh will be announced on Tuesday.
His death notice reads: “Very sadly missed by his parents, brothers Dean, Warren, Ryan and Braden, sisters Jade and Emilia and especially Tina.”
