Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the introduction of this Bill. Fine Gael has been asking for a Bill for four years that would address the situation whereby people were unsure how to defend themselves, their families and their property. Myths were growing up that the burglar was all powerful once he came in and no defence was possible without a high risk to the property owner. It was perhaps a myth but the situation arose where those who defended themselves found themselves in difficulty with the law.

This Bill provides protection for people and gives them the opportunity to defend themselves, their families and their property in the event of burglary or tiger kidnapping. These area frightening situations for those working in banks and they should be allowed to defend themselves in such situations. The Bill must address this because people should feel safe in their homes. They feel at present that they must withdraw if there is an intruder and it is important that we send a message to those who would intrude that the freedom to go about their dastardly deeds will be confronted.

I have personal experience in my community of the robbery and beating up of old people.

See this speech in context