Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, our thoughts and prayers are with the young child in hospital, their carer and all the staff at Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire. It is so important that they have our support at this very difficult time after what was a horrific attack on innocence. It is also very important that we do not conflate the events that happened later that evening and the anarchy we saw unfold in Dublin city. Attacks on An Garda Síochána will not be tolerated, nor will those on our first responders, local authority workers and so many of our emergency workers who were trying to protect a crime scene and trying to ensure that the perpetrator of this crime was brought to justice. Their lives were put in danger by these anarchists. Justice will be served on all those who attacked public infrastructure and businesses during a very important time of the year. It is also very important that we acknowledge the efforts of our first responders.

On the wider debate, it is so important that we remember that we are a far more resilient and a stronger country because of migration. Look at our public services, hospitals and hospitality. Look at our transport services. They are all supported by foreign nationals. They are the cornerstone of many different areas. The Minister for Health pointed out how there are 65 different nationalities caring for that young child in Temple Street. That is the cornerstone of what it is to be Irish. That is our response and what it means to live in an inclusive society.

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