Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Mansergh stated that an intruder should not interpret the property of others as a harm-free zone.

This Bill was introduced some 12 months ago. I am delighted we are now on Second Stage and that it can proceed to Committee Stage with the agreement of the House, as indicated by the Opposition. I am equally pleased the Minister has proposed a Bill to address the defence of life and property, which Bill has Government support and will be published in the coming weeks. We will take it from there on Committee Stage in terms of taking the better part of both Bills for our discussions. The original intention behind the introduction of this Bill was to tilt the law in favour of the home owner and address the discrepancies in the law as it stands.