Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely respect the wisdom of the Garda Commissioner and the way gardaí handle protests. They are the people with the professionalism and the experience to deal with it. I am deeply concerned by the pictures I saw on television at the weekend of masked men. Appallingly, they were carrying my flag and your flag. This is unacceptable. It is reported that, allegedly, people went on a bus and counted refugees as if they were animals. This is unacceptable. The way people seeking international protection were abused physically and intimidated is not acceptable. I welcome the fact there are ongoing Garda investigations. I laud it for all of this and stand behind the force in its acts but I am not happy with the response so far. I have to say this truthfully and honestly.

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