Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Fine Gael might be talking about it, but they did not produce anything. Senator Cummins' arguments were fine, but I was concerned at the rather childish behaviour of another Senator on his party's benches, particularly where the views of people who have spent time and effort in compiling and bringing forward a Bill were derided, laughed at and compared to those of his five year old son. We do not go on like that here and I found that quite demeaning.

This is an issue, whether we like it or not, that is in every householder's mind throughout this country. I live alone and reading it has frightened the wits out of me. There is a strong case to be made for many of the points which are in the Bill, and I read the Minister's speech carefully too. It is clear that this is part of an ongoing debate on defence of one's property and of one's body and rights. In that debate, this Bill is playing a useful role.

I note the Minister stated that when he debated the Fine Gael Bill in the other House, he found parts of it proper and right and would seek to implement them at some future date in a Bill of his own. That was interesting and accommodating of him. I note that he pointed up, in particular, the areas where he found that Bill wanting, as I am sure some of the areas of this one may well be wanting, or perhaps scant, in consideration. This Bill is part of that body of work which has been built up on this important topic.

I found myself very torn on the case of the man in the west which got significant coverage some months ago. Of course one felt sorry for the man who was absolutely petrified at what was happening to him, but one does not follow a person down a lane and shoot in the back. I would take grave exception to that, which is a consequence of what happened.

This is a good Bill. This is a good Seanad in which there have been many Private Members' Bills brought forward and accepted. We are meant to be a scrutinising, reviewing and an innovative Chamber, and this is innovation on the part of Members who decided to do something about a relevant issue which is dominant in most people's minds. It is completely unnecessary to deride anyone in this Chamber for having the intelligence to bring forward a Bill. I am happy my colleagues have brought forward the Bill and that the Government has seen fit to give it due consideration. No doubt many of the points in it will make their way into a more comprehensive Bill which the Minister will bring forward in due course.

Burglaries, break-ins and ravages are not new crimes. I would imagine they are as old as time, but the wish to defend one's property and be in command of where one lives, what one owns and where one spends one's time is also as old as time, and is a primitive urge. That people feel like that should be welcomed.

While we are in favour of and welcome the Bill, I do not know what will be the next move with it. I am glad to be part of a Government team in this House which has brought the Bill forward. I hope the Minister will follow up on his faith in it and that his faith will find evidence in the provisions of the Bill he brings forwards.