Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the people of Kerry, I express my shock and revulsion at what happened to those little children and their carer on Thursday. I thank the people who came to their assistance - Ireland's finest. I also acknowledge the emergency workers who came under attack from Ireland's worst. I thank the brave men and women of An Garda Síochána who repelled those attacks and brought order back to the streets on Thursday night.

Let us be clear: this is not the fault of the Minister, An Garda Síochána or the Government. To construct it as that is highly dangerous. I call on those select voices in opposition, who have let themselves down badly in recent days, to have a serious rethink about what they are saying. This is far too serious to be playing political games with. Words like "taking her out" have been used in respect of the Minister. That is highly toxic language to be using in the context of this debate. Calling for the Minister to be sacked from her job at this time is not helpful. It would actually provide a scalp to the very thugs we are trying to defeat here. It would encourage further disorder and further violence. That is absolutely not the approach we need to take at this time.

Sinn Féin Deputies have said that they have no confidence in the Minister and that she should be sacked. They had an opportunity this week to table a motion of no confidence. Why did they not do that? I know why they did not do it. I was a Whip and I know their form. They want to drag this on for another week. They will table a motion next week. That is not helping anybody. That is political game-playing at its very worst, creating another distraction for the Minister at a time of national crisis when we all need to be united in our approach to this. The people see what is going on, everyone in this House sees it. I have no doubt they will table a motion next week. They could have done it this week but did not. They are exposed. Everyone sees them for what they are on this one.

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