Tougher Laws Required Against Burglars – IFA

IFA Environment + Rural Affairs Chairman Pat Farrell has called on the Government to progress legislation that allows landowners to protect themselves by using justifiable force against intruders.

Mr Farrell made his comments following the recent sentencing of a 29 year old intruder, who stabbed an elderly 79 year old farmer during a burglary in Cork.

Pat Farrell said, “The Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Bill 2010 was published by the previous government in July last year. However, it was never enacted. The Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter must immediately progress this legislation and strengthen it to allow homeowners to use justifiable force against any intruder without any concern of criminal charges in respect of any injury, loss or damage arising from the use of such force.”