I am sure the Taoiseach shares my condemnation of the violent assault that took place in Temple Bar, which I know is before the courts so I will not comment on it any further. What we do know is that safety continues to be an ongoing issue in Dublin city, particularly as it relates to retail workers. Obviously, it is not just an issue in Dublin but is nationwide. Over 300,000 people work in retail in Ireland. One of the big asks of the retail sector is that we would introduce specific offences dealing with retail workers who are harassed or face threats. I know this is an issue that has been debated in the Seanad and that my colleague, Deputy Butterly, intends to publish a Private Members' Bill on it but could the Taoiseach update the House on how this is being examined by the Government and whether the Government is considering progressing this as an issue because the time has come for us to have a specific offence dealing with retail workers and assaults and threats of assault against them in the same way that we introduced hate legislation and harm in respect of hate legislation?

Sentiment score: -0.37