Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I condemn the awful and disgraceful events in Dublin last week. Our thoughts are with the innocent children, the care workers and all of those who rightly intervened to save lives. I thank all the emergency services, and the brave men and women of An Garda Síochána who stood firm to protect our citizens and our society, and to uphold the rule of law. We need to give An Garda Síochána more powers, more resources and more importantly fewer restrictions as it goes about its work. This is a time for unity and reflection, and a time to work together to mitigate and deter any further outbreaks of lawlessness such as that which shamed our country last Thursday. I support the Minister for Justice, and the brave men and women of An Garda Síochána. They have had the unwavering support of my family and community since the foundation of this great State, and they always will. Far right, far left, the centre must and will hold.

See this speech in context