Minister faces 'no confidence' motion

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is facing a motion of no-confidence in the Dail next week, following the Dublin riots last week.

Sinn Fein tabled the motion following calls earlier this week by party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, on the minister to resign.

The Government is confident of winning the vote, which will take place in the Dáil on Tuesday.

Deputy McDonald said: "We cannot have a Justice Minister who refuses to acknowledge the political failures that allowed our communities to become unsafe.

"Sinn Féin has been forced to put down a motion of no-confidence in the Minister for Justice because this Government is not listening."

A spokesperson for the Minister "absolutely focussed on her work in the Department of Justice and supporting An Garda Síochána as they keep us safe and maintain law and order".

"The Minister's thoughts remain with those injured in the appalling stabbings last Thursday, particularly the small girl and her carer who remain in hospital.

"Sinn Féin has again shown that they prioritise politics and point scoring rather than being united in facing the thugs and criminals responsible for the riots in Dublin.

"Sinn Féin has never supported An Garda Síochána, including Mary Lou McDonald using the appalling incident last Thursday to call for the Garda Commissioner's resignation - echoing her own comments on the Commissioner's appointment in 2018."