John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

In the 13 years I have been a Member of this House I have not experienced an incident outside the gates as threatening or as serious as the one that occurred last night. The gardaí acted responsibly and with considerable restraint. We have to thank them for ensuring that Members could leave the House in safety to drive home.

I will always defend the right of any citizen or group of citizens to protest within the law outside Leinster House. I agree with Senator O'Toole that over the years there has been a progressive erosion of the cordon sanitaire, if one can use that term, around the Houses. When the farmers' rights campaign took place in the 1960s, the nearest they could come to the Houses was the corner of Merrion Square at the Mont Clare Hotel. Over the years that has changed and I do not object, but perhaps we should look again at how protests are conducted. I also agree with Senator O'Toole's point that certain people seem to be able to change their colour, like chameleons, according to what protest is taking place, infiltrate it and try to run it. The gardaí acted properly and responsibly in the circumstances and anybody who was here last night would confirm that.

A report is being published today on the rail service. Can that report be debated in detail by the House? It is a comprehensive report and it would be appropriate for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to debate the issues it contains.