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

I have very clearly stated that it was not safe for a period of time. Buses were on fire and people were looting and rioting. With regard to control being lost, gardaí responded in the most appropriate way possible. How do we stop people if they want to loot and riot? Where the situation escalated to that point gardaí responded in the most appropriate way. For a period of time the city was not safe. I have said this very clearly. Of course it was not safe but gardaí responded and were in control in the best way they could be.

I do not accept they lost control. I accept that were trying to manage a very difficult situation.