Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

This comes in the wake of a 12% rise in burglaries, according to the latest Garda figures.

The Government has no reason not to support the Bill. The Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy McDowell, agree with the thrust of the Bill because it makes sense. Given recent statements from the Government parties, it was not unreasonable for me to expect the Bill would be favourably received. Instead, the Government has engaged in blatant stroke politics by deferring this issue for another six months for debate.

I stated last November I would rise to the challenge and produce a draft Bill.

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