Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste has committed to seriously considering the defence and protection of the family home, with a view to its importance to the public as a whole. He has been examining the legal issues involved and these will be taken into account in a consultation paper which will be subject to his approval. The paper sets out the issues surrounding the various points in this matter; it is a long consultation paper. I am not sure it will resolve many of the problems we must deal with but at least both sides of the argument will be put and it will contain the Tánaiste's views on the matter.

The figures on serious crime and murder here compare favourably to those of other countries. That, however, is not the point. There are too many murders and guns. I do not know how much a hit man costs but whether the price is great or small, it is a serious danger.

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