Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I start by wishing the students, carers, teachers and parents of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire well. I can only imagine they are suffering greatly due to this horrifying attack on Thursday lunchtime. I think of the little girl and her carer who remain in hospital, and hope their recovery is both swift and comfortable. I also mention the number of heroes who intervened, disarmed and removed the attacker. They were mostly immigrants, which I think is a sombre irony in what followed.

Parts of this debate have frankly been shameful. Instead of bringing fresh ideas and leadership to the debate, political point scoring and finger pointing have prevailed - not by all, I admit, but by quite a number. It is obvious that the people of Dublin and Ireland want action to prevent these events from occurring in the future. In this House we must do all we can to assist An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice in doing their jobs. That starts in this Chamber. I have seen little evidence of that among some.

We must not lose sight of who is to blame for what unfolded in Dublin city centre on Thursday night: those thugs and criminals who were intent on using an appalling situation to wreak havoc, and those who manipulated and encouraged that response. This is not to forget the shameful group who used the opportunity to loot. The only thing missing from the cabal that ransacked O'Connell Street was the usual draped Tricolour of the so-called patriots - mindless thugs the lot of them. They will be brought to justice for what they did. An Garda Síochána has already brought 34 of them to court, and investigations are ongoing with regard to others. I understand there have been 50 arrests since Thursday lunchtime. There are new laws on the books to cater for those who callously assault members of An Garda Síochána. There are always lessons to be learned. Things can be done better. There must be a review, with every aspect of the policing response assessed and necessary changes made.

We must also recognise the significant part played by social media companies in this process. I welcome what the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, has had to say. I expect to see those who incited hatred online brought to heel, in particular one high-profile gombeen who is already subject to Garda investigations.

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