Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not detain the House for long. I fully support the Government on this but we probably should have another look at the Labour Party amendment. There has been a complete sea change with regard to the families of politicians in urban and rural areas. When family members hear on television or radio that TDs and senators cannot get in or out of Leinster House because of a protest, they phone or text to ask whether we are okay. At this point, they are worried. I had a different view on this two or three years ago but I have completely changed my mind. Quite a number of families have had to deal with protests outside their homes. Any politician who has raised this matter, and we are all concerned, did so not because of themselves as such but because family members are suffering greatly. This is why so many people tell family members not to get into politics. That is a pity. I will support the Fianna Fáil and Government line on this but we should give heed to what was in the Labour Party's amendment. We have to address this issue. The public understands that we have to address it.