Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the case made by Senator Leyden which calls on the Egyptian Government to release Ibrahim Halawa who is in jail in Cairo and to call on the Egyptian ambassador to do everything possible to influence that decision. The Government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade are doing everything possible behind the scenes to secure his release. I pay tribute to the ambassador and the staff at the Irish Embassy in Cairo for their work in trying to secure Mr. Halawa's release. It is a traumatic time for the family and we all want to see him released as a matter of urgency.

I welcome the Government's approval for the criminal justice (burglary of dwellings) Bill, brought forward by Minister for Justice, Deputy Fitzgerald. The draft Bill will now go to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for pre-legislative scrutiny. I ask the Leader to arrange a discussion with the Minister in this House before the Bill is published. The Bill recognises that the home of every citizen is sacred.That is where we should all feel safe. Burglary is particularly traumatic for the victim and in many instances, as Senator Crown has said, it can result in serious injury and even death to our citizens. Many of these burglaries are carried out by serial offenders. Significant deterrents must be put in place. The issue of bail for repeat offenders must be addressed, as must the short sentences that are being handed out in many cases when a significant number of repeat offences are being taken into consideration. This issue is quite complex. There is a strong demand from the public that we would ensure, in so far as possible, that every citizen's home is safe and that people who are offending regularly, breaking into people's homes and terrifying citizens are dealt with in a strong and determined fashion. I compliment the Minister on the work she has done to date, but we all need to assist her in making this legislation as strong as possible.