Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I express my sympathy and solidarity with those victims of the attack, which was the first thing that happened on Thursday. Some children and carers were viciously attacked. I certainly support An Garda Síochána in its investigation of this and in the prosecution of the individual responsible. I also thank those bystanders who took the initiative to prevent further attacks. They also deserve our eternal thanks, and are an example to the rest of us.

It is also important that we give our full support to An Garda Síochána. When mistakes are made by An Garda Síochána, as will happen from time to time, people rush to the airwaves and the Dáil to complain about it. I would not like to see that have any operational influence on gardaí. It is really important that they feel empowered to use every last power they have to keep us all safe and to be safe themselves when they carry out their difficult work. I support my constituency colleague, the Minister for Justice, in her efforts to make sure our streets are safe and our people feel safe.

To those who question migration, I say that migration is a fact - it is happening. We have to accept that. We have to look people in the eye and tell them that people are moving all around the world. There are not as many coming to Ireland as there are to some other countries. However, if we do not have migrants coming to the country, where are our hospitality and healthcare workers, etc.?

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