Figures released this week in my constituency, Waterford, show that the number of home burglaries in January was up by over 30% on the figure for the same period last year. The rising statistic are on a par with figures throughout the country. In some areas the number of home burglaries has almost tripled in the past year. I suspect, given all the facts and figures, the real figure is a good deal higher.

I encounter victims of burglaries on a regular basis, all of whom paint a similar picture of the terrible pain and misery caused by this violation of private space. Often this horror is revisited when the perpetrator is brought to court and spared from a jail sentence. Often, items taken are never returned. They include personal jewellery and items close to people's hearts. I was in a house last week in which the mother and the father of the residents had died tragically some months before. Jewellery belonging to them was taken and more than likely will never be returned. I witnessed a husband and a wife crying in front of me. Many cry outwardly and many into their hearts. The psychological effects of having one's home violated cannot be underestimated and can last forever.

One point frequently under-reported concerns the cost of replacing items in a home and repairing the damage done by intruders. Many opt not to claim under insurance policies because of a fear premiums would go through the roof. Many others cannot afford to take out insurance policies. Research undertaken by Eircom PhoneWatch puts the average value of goods stolen in home burglaries at a staggering €1,868, a colossal expense.

I have one further comment to make before I come to my question. With many others, I believe the criminal justice system is failing the victims of burglaries. Today in every city and town, probably in every estate, someone's house will be burgled. Will the Tánaiste consider introducing legislation to force those found guilty of burglary, regardless of whether a community service or custodial sentence is handed down, to repay the cost of repairing the damage they have done? Under such legislation, every judge in every District Court would be instructed to ensure the perpetrator, regardless of means, would make reparations which could be deducted from his or her wages or social welfare payments.

I know the Tánaiste is aware of this matter; having spoken to other Members, I know they are aware of it also. It is a crime that has gone unnoticed compared to serious crimes against the person. It is destroying people's lives throughout the country. There is a fear among people that they are being abandoned and not taken notice of. Often, I have been in court when an out-of-touch judge, because of some do-gooder, says kind words about the perpetrator, while the victim is left abandoned. We need to do something about this problem urgently.

I thank the Deputy for raising this question which is both serious and relevant. I agree that the effect of the burglary of a person's home cannot be measured simply in financial terms in respect of the goods stolen or interfered with. There is also an absolute sense of violation felt by the victims. The sense that someone has been in one's home and bedroom tampering with one's personal belongings and, in some cases, stealing or damaging things that may not be of great financial value but which are of considerable sentimental and emotional value to the victims is unnerving. The suggestion the Deputy has made is constructive. In terms of penalties, the Minister for Justice and Equality has a strong personal view in favour of restorative justice. I will bring to his attention what is a worthwhile and constructive suggestion made by the Deputy and ask him to have the Deputy's comments considered as a way of dealing with the issue. Naturally, the proposal could never repair the sense of violation and damage experienced by someone whose home has been burgled, but perhaps it might be a more pragmatic, effective and appropriate way of dealing with the perpetrators than some of the ways by which they are being deal with.

I believe the remarks of the Tánaiste are sincere and imagine many people throughout the country will be most comforted by them. They will send a clear message that there is a price to be paid if one violates the home of another. I am not here to make any direct attack on the Judiciary. However, I put it to the Tánaiste that throughout my political life I have spent a good deal of time representing people in court in Waterford city, as have some of my fellow Members. People can be taken aback at some of the sentencing procedures carried out by the Judiciary. How often have people who have burgled homes been seen walking around the streets the following day by the very individuals whose homes had been broken into? They are shocked and bewildered in such circumstances. At times the Garda can prepare very good cases and I have been with gardaí in the District Court, but because a given judge is out of touch, no sentence is applied and the person responsible can go back out and reoffend. I read a report in a local newspaper in Waterford on one person who had reoffended 25 times. I am comforted by the response of the Tánaiste and believe others will be also. I hope that within a short period he will act on my suggestion.

Yes, I will. As I said, I will bring the Deputy's remarks to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality whose views are very much along the lines of restorative justice. Naturally, we should understand this end of the equation is considered after the damage has been done. Even where a financial penalty was imposed by the courts, a strong sense of violation would still be experienced. A stolen item of sentimental value, for example, a wedding ring inherited from a mother or a grandmother, can never be replaced.

It may not be the financial value but rather the family or sentimental value that is important. This is why we have to address the issue of home burglaries by preventing them. The work that is being done by neighbourhood watch groups and community gardaí helps in advising local communities and home owners about simple precautionary measures, such as not leaving the bathroom window open when one is on one's way out because one has forgotten to close it. Householders can get advice on these simple precautionary measures. Community gardaí and neighbourhood watch groups have developed ways of identifying and marking personal goods to enable gardaí to identify their owners when somebody is detected. There is also a requirement for a sense of good neighbourhood in communities so that people keep watch over the homes of those who live alone and who may be vulnerable. This is a big issue and it causes considerable worry for people. The suggestions that the Deputy made this morning are valuable and constructive, and I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to consider them.