Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on this very important Bill. I commend Deputy Jim O'Keeffe for bringing it forward and for putting much thought and research into it. Members tonight have questioned Fine Gael's intent in introducing the Bill but it was discussed by the parliamentary party, by the membership and at the Ard-Fheis. It was inspired by the enthusiasm of the membership and of the public to do something to protect the most important thing we have in our lives, the family home. The debate has been dragged all over the place, with various people making different points, but we put forward this Bill simply to protect our family homes.

I will declare an interest in the subject. Some years ago I was in Leinster House on a Wednesday night. I left for Tipperary and went home to bed at 1 a.m. I rose at 6 a.m. to find that my home had been burgled, so I know at first hand the effect it had on me and my family that someone had been in our house, roaming around the rooms downstairs, and had taken some valuables. It could have been worse. If I had had to face the intruder I know I would have had to protect my family and my house.

There are thousands upon thousands like me whose homes have been burgled and whose families have been frightened. For anybody to say it is political opportunism for a political party to introduce such a Bill in this House is very unfair. We are not opportunistic but bring it forward because there is a huge demand for it, given the way Irish society has developed in recent years. It is important to protect people's homes. As a Parliament and a country we are not worth our salt if we do not protect the family home. Irish people borrowed heavily to build their homes and make them nice for their families. Everything about our lives and the rearing of our families centres on protecting our homes. That is what this party is doing tonight and I am very proud, as a member of Fine Gael, to support this Bill. Those who oppose it are disingenuous and politically motivated. We must face up to the fact that something needs to be done.

I commend the Fine Gael Party and Deputy Jim O'Keeffe for bringing the Bill before the House. He speaks not only for Members of this House but a huge section of the public that is affected by the issue. I know Senator Morrissey's family and the part of the country from which he comes and I appeal to him and his party to think very hard about it, because people in the part of Cashel in which he was born would support what we propose. There should be no division on this matter. The whole of the Oireachtas, if we are to represent the people and their interests, should row in behind this Bill and cut out the shenanigans. The details can all be dealt with on a later Stage but at this time I urge the House fully to support Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's proposals.

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