Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Three years ago, Fine Gael introduced a Home Defence Bill which was voted down by the Government. The Government acknowledged that legislation would have to be introduced to address some of the issues that arose in the Bill and stated it would introduce its own Bill at a later stage. Three years have passed and the Government continues to await the final report of the Law Reform Commission. I do not believe this is acceptable. Three years is too long to wait for necessary legislation in this regard.

Last week the home of a constituent of mine, Mr. Paddy Barry, was broken into. Sadly, Mr. Barry has since died. I knew Mr. Barry well. I am a friend of his son, Brendan Barry. Mr. Barry was a respected member of the community and the parish of Ballybricken where I come from. Breaking into the homes of elderly people is a despicable crime. In my opinion, the punishment in this regard does not in many instances fit the crime.

I am sure everybody in the House will join with me in sending our condolences to the Barry family. We need action of the type suggested in the Home Defence Bill, which could be amended to ensure this issue is properly dealt with. Waiting three years for legislation which the Government stated at the time was necessary is totally unacceptable.