Hauliers and farmers who took part in the fuel protests are now facing summonses. In some cases their registration plates were recorded at the time of the protests and now they are being pursued. These are people who have invested heavily, in some cases hundreds of thousands of euro, into their businesses, trucks and livelihoods. The additional penalty points will see many of them lose their licences and their insurance policies. There is a real risk, therefore, that some of these people will be put off the road and will lose their businesses. I hear that in some cases gardaí are patrolling certain areas where the protests originated and summonses are issuing in the aftermath. Is the Government engaging in reprisal action in relation to the protesters? Are people being penalised for exercising their democratic right to protest? Will the Tánaiste instruct An Garda Síochána to recognise the protest as peaceful, legitimate and driven by financial hardship? It is really important these people are protected.

Sentiment score: -0.10