Local Cllr James Carroll is calling on the people of Louth to make submissions which are now being invited by the Dáil Committee on Justice on the issue of the rights of homeowners to protect themselves against trespassers.

The local Fianna Fáil county cllr is encouraging any interested groups or individuals who have an interest in the issue to make a submission.

“This move is part of the Committee’s ongoing work to contribute to the development of the criminal justice system to meet modern day needs.”

“This is an issue which greatly affects people in rural Ireland and I know that there are many people in Louth who have strong opinions on the subject.”

“The Committee may hold a series of public hearings on the issue before making its final report which will be presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas.”

“Submissions should be made in writing to Clerk to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or by e-mail to: alan.guidon@oireachtas, colm.kennedy@oireachtas.ie or philomena.gavin@oireachtas.ie.”

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 30th October, 2009.

“During my canvassing during the local elections and for Lisbon Treaty, the issue of people worried about the balance of law favouring a trespasser rather than the homeowner arose time and time again”, concluded Cllr Carroll.

ENDS