Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is important that we call out these recent incidents. People are entitled to protest and to have a different view from the Government's. This is absolutely fair and this happens. It is really important, though, to call out several recent incidents. Senator Ward referred to an attack on migrants in Ashtown, which was fuelled by lies put on social media regarding someone having been the victim of an assault. In recent days, we have also seen a building in Dublin set on fire. Again, this was as a result of lies put around by far-right groups. There is a deep and disturbing strand of racism behind several of these incidents. We must be very explicit about this. It is worrying and requires an all-of-government response. It requires parties across the Oireachtas to respond. In my engagement with the Government and the Opposition, I recognise that many people are showing leadership in their local communities and at some risk to themselves because politicians across the spectrum in recent weeks have had their houses and offices picketed. I wish to recognise, therefore, that there is leadership being shown across the spectrum, but this needs to continue.