Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

This debate encapsulates the worst aspects of politics — shadow boxing, the "cute hoor" approach and blatant political opportunism. This issue being addressed tonight is very serious. Undoubtedly, the balance of protection must revert to law-abiding citizens who wish to protect their property and families from law breakers. The blatant political opportunism to which I have referred is not confined to one side of this House. It is a charge that has widespread utility.

In response to the Fine Gael Bill, the Government's amendment calls for a deferral of consideration of this issue while the proposed Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is being prepared. This is the response of a Government whose Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has assisted a Senator from his own party to produce a Bill similar to the Fine Gael Bill. That is playing politics with this issue.

On the other hand, Fine Gael has brought this Bill forward because it believes, in the words of Deputy Kenny, that it is "utterly ridiculous and ludicrous that, as it stands, if a person does not retreat but defends his or her home and family against an intruder, that intruder might sue that person". The utterly ridiculous and ludicrous situation referred to by Fine Gael was brought about by the introduction of a law in 1997 by none other than a Fine Gael Minister for Justice.

See this speech in context