Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I uphold the Constitution. Like any member of the Government, I am required to do so. I respect the independence of the Judiciary, the independence of the Garda and the availability of an independent complaints system. It is important for anyone who speaks on these matters in this House not to reflect in any negative way on the independence of these institutional and constitutional arrangements, which are the cornerstone of our democracy. I visit communities throughout the State frequently. I have found that protestors appear to favour protesting against ceremonies, events and institutions to do with education. The people who were receiving their awards and degrees in Jobstown were celebrating an important day in their lives and those of their communities.

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