Defending your home - Proposals recognise our reality

THE Government has published legislation that willallow people to use “reasonable” force to defend themselves and their property.

Speaking yesterday afternoon Justice Minister Dermot Ahern recognised that the Bill will sometimes mean that an intruder might be killed by a person threatened in their home.

He also confirmed that a homeowner using justifiable force won’t be liable for damages if the attacker subsequently sues over injuries, loss or damage sustained because the homeowner defended theirperson, their family or their property effectively.