Statement by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD

The scenes of public disorder we have witnessed at Citywest tonight must be condemned. People threw missiles at Gardaí, threw fireworks at them, and set a Garda vehicle on fire. This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardai. Those involved will be brought to justice.

As has been made clear during the day, a man has been arrested and charged before the courts in relation to the alleged incident. While I am not in a position to comment any further on this criminal investigation, I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area.

Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected. The Gardaí are prepared for this, but attacking Gardaí and property is not an answer, and won’t help to make anyone feel safe.

It is clear to me from talking to colleagues during the day and this evening that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it.

Attacks on Gardaí will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not. There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed tonight.

ENDS…///