Justice Minister Helen McEntee says it’s important to be “honest” about the high levels of immigration Ireland has seen recently, adding: “I don’t think this is going to change any time soon.” She also expands on her definition of “far-right.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Garda Detective Superintendent Ian Lackey discusses Irish authorities’ experience of female genital mutilation (FGM) – the practice of injuring a woman or girl’s genitals for “non-medical reasons” with “no health benefit.” He says it is “deeply engrained” in many cultures. #gript
“I was responsible for those decisions”: Minister Paschal Donohoe answers questions from Gript Media’s Fatima Gunning about the impact of Covid lockdowns, and whether the public can expect an apology. #gript
WATCH: Senator Lynn Ruane described the vote in the Citizenship Referendum in 2004 (backed by almost 80% of the electorate) as “Violent, Not Safe”.
“You’re obsessed with hate speech”: Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin bats away a question by Ben Scallan about whether calling for the destruction of Israel would count as “hate speech” under his bill. He added: “I’m not interested in the legislation.” #gript
Education Minister Norma Foley refuses to say if she agrees with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s claim that, some sex education books in Ireland aren’t age appropriate, or to say whether she’s received much correspondence from parents on the matter. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
“During [Ireland’s] oppression, we still maintained our invisibility cloak of white privilege.” Irish politicians discuss “white privilege” and the need for racial quotas, with one recalling the “very dull, white, pasty Ireland” that he grew up in before mass migration. #gript
Gript Media Editor John McGuirk on recent criticism from politicians and other journalists: We don’t censor news just because politicians believe the public might think the wrong thing if they heard the facts. #gript
“Do you think this situation is OK?”: Irish Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is asked why long-term unemployed migrants, such as the Algerian person of interest in the Parnell Square stabbing, are allowed to remain in the State. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
When asked if the government is partly responsible for the Parnell Square stabbing and the subsequent #DublinRiots, Minister Paschal Donohoe said “As a member of government you always should accept responsibility for the affairs of our country.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Multiple vehicles on fire amid clashes with riot police in Dublin.
Martin responds to Jozef Puska “There are various entitlements”: Micheál Martin responds to a question by Ryan Casey, boyfriend of Ashling Murphy, about how Slovak killer Jozef Puska came to Ireland to be jobless on welfare for a decade.