Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As public representatives, we all have a duty to know and understand that the words and actions we use have consequences. We saw last week that we are starting to see the spread of hatred and of a small group of people, which is unfortunately starting to grow. They are intent on sowing division and hatred in our society with the sole objective of creating instability and challenging our democracy. As members of this democracy we have an obligation not to feed into that or to be part of it. I ask Senators to look at their words and what they are saying. Our communities are enriched by the people who have come to this country, who are part of our hospitals and schools, and who came to the aid of those children the other day. To equate them or anybody who is an immigrant, or who has sought shelter or refuge in this country, with crime is simply wrong and incorrect. The message we should be sending loudly from this House and from the Dáil Chamber is that we stand in solidarity against those who wish to sow division and hate. Our language in that regard is really important.

I thank colleagues for their contributions. What has happened has shone a light on the way in which we need to collectively stand against those who wish to sow division and create hate in our society. I look forward to working with colleagues in the many ways in which we can push back.