Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. As we are all aware, burglaries are one of the most horrific crimes, given the impact that they have on the victims. The home is sacred for our people and is a place of comfort and security and is a person’s castle. That can be wiped out very quickly by such burglaries. This has a crippling and chilling impact on the victims of these crimes, reducing the quality of their lives for many years. It also has an impact on communities beyond that of the direct victim. It causes fear and terror for other members of the community, particularly those who are vulnerable and living alone. I am convinced that the current sentences being handed out need to reflect the damage caused by the criminal acts and these sentences certainly do not appear to act as a deterrent, especially given the number of repeat offenders. I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader would raise this matter with the Minister for Justice.