Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
571. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8006/14]
View answerThe Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011 provides for the use of reasonable force by a householder against an intruder entering the dwelling with criminal intent. Section 2 of the Act sets out the criteria whereby the householder must believe that the intruder has entered the dwelling to commit a criminal act and the force used against the intruder must only be such as is reasonable in the circumstances as the householder believes them to be, to protect people in the dwelling from assault, to protect property, to prevent the commission of a crime or to make a lawful arrest. The application of the law is a matter for the Courts and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual case.
