Farmers want action over delay in intruders bill

LANDOWNERS are at the mercy of intruders due to delays in passing the Defence & Dwelling Bill which was agreed upon last July, says the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

IFA environment and rural affairs chairman, Pat Farrell, has called on the Government to progress legislation to allow landowners to use justifiable force to protect themselves against intruders.

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.”