John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree that most right-minded people would condemn what we have seen happening on our streets. Attacks on vulnerable people and burning them out of their tents on Sandwith Street in the capital have no place anywhere in the world and must be condemned by all right-thinking people. It must be said that a small number of bigots, fascists and racists are intent on sowing hatred on our streets and in communities across the State. They are intent on exploiting a situation and communities for their own political agenda, and this needs to be faced down. I do not think we have seen a uniform and coherent approach that is cross-departmental in terms of tackling that. That is what is needed.

We also need to see a stronger approach from An Garda Síochána. I hear what the Minister is saying, which is that he, the Department and the Government are satisfied with the approach of An Garda Síochána, but some would say it is light touch. In some communities, gardaí can be seen standing back and allowing members of the community to board buses and video their occupants, which is wrong. I would question the approach of An Garda Síochána.

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