The number of incidents of gardaí having to go to schools to deal with knives, weapons, and firearms has doubled in the space of a year. Gardaí recorded 31 incidents in school buildings or on school grounds relating to the possession of an “offensive weapon” or firearm in 2025 alone. “As a parent, it's horrendous to think of any occasion where a firearm or an offensive weapon would be used in any manner in a school. Children have been suspended for carrying knives or scissors as weapons. Mr O’Callaghan told Mr Tóibín he “strongly condemns” the use of knives and other weapons to threaten, intimidate or harm others.

Source: Irish Examiner February 03, 2026 15:16 UTC