A task force to curb the "epidemic of stabbing" in Dublin and elsewhere has been called for by Labour's justice spokes- man. Dr Pat Upton TD said more than 50 stabbing incidents occurred over Christmas and the new year. "In the first six months of last year, stabbing was the major cause of violent death yet the Government is unable to take decisive action to deal with this menace," he said.
Dr Upton also called for a public information drive to en- sure that the extent of the in- jury, disfigurement and death which resulted from the violent use of knives was brought home to the public.