Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to welcome further good news on the jobs front here in Dublin. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, which is based here, announced recently a €450 million expansion to its premises that will increase its workforce by a further 200, as well as creating 800 construction jobs over the next four years. This is great news for the construction industry and must be welcomed by all Members.

I support the call by Senators Quinn and Craughwell for an urgent debate in this House with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Quinn that murder charges should not be diluted and should be punished accordingly and the issue of life sentences must be considered. When I was in my teens, I knew a middle-aged man who received a life sentence for murder and who died in prison 46 years later. To be fair, the man was not fully compos mentisbut he spent 45 and a half years in prison and died there. While I do not suggest that, the question of a life sentence of 15 years being reduced to 12 years is farcical. Murder is murder and I refer to repeat criminals, the question of free legal aid, breaking and entering and liabilities on house owners and business people. It cannot be right that somebody who breaks into one's premises and who cuts his or her hand has a claim against one. As for the Cathaoirleach's definition of reasonable force and my definition of it, were I to get some fellow coming out of my house with my television after breaking and entering, I would stop him from getting out the front door with it. The issues must be addressed and a long debate is needed here in the Seanad on the entire criminal system.