Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I join other Senators in welcoming Senator Ó Brolcháin to this Chamber. I wish him the very best for the future. I hope this courtship will continue over the next two and a half years for him and I also congratulate his family. As spokesman on justice on this side of the House I concur with the remarks of my colleague, Senator Ellis, on the tragic and untimely death of the young garda from County Leitrim, Garda Gary McLoughlin, who was killed in County Donegal. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, to come to the House to discuss the situation with regard to the Cork-Swansea ferry. I congratulate the co-op in locating and purchasing a vessel. I am aware of some financial and logistical difficulties to overcome before the vessel is launched, it is to be hoped in the spring. I am confident this project will succeed and it will be a significant boost for tourism in the Cork-Kerry region.

I welcome the report of the Law Reform Commission on the subject of defence of one's home. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this subject in the new year. I congratulate the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, for his positive reaction to the report. He has stated he will introduce legislation with regard to the report's recommendations. I express my grave concerns at the negative reaction of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties to the report on the basis that people should run away rather than fight and protect their home. The day has come when legislation in this regard is probably well overdue. The Minister said last year when dealing with the Opposition Bill that he would wait for the report of the Law Reform Commission which is now to hand. We should give out the message that one's home is one's castle and people have the right to defend their home and not be forced to retreat or to run away. This is a disappointing suggestion by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.