Heather Humphreys 'doesn't see the point' of a no-confidence motion
A diuble decker bus on fire following riots in DUblin. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
There is no point to a motion of no confidence in Justice Minister Helen McEntee following riots in Dublin city last week, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has said.
Speaking to reporters, Ms Humphreys said motions of no confidence “achieve nothing” and that time would be better spent on introducing legislation, including new laws to allow for gardaí to use facial recognition technology.
“I don't see what the point of a motion of no confidence is. I’ve sat through the Dáil on many, many occasions with motions of no confidence. They achieve nothing,” Ms Humphreys said.
“If we were spending our time bringing forward more legislation in terms of the body cams, that I know the Minister [for Justice] is bringing this week, I think that would be much more beneficial. Also the legislation on facial recognition.”
The Social Protection Minister said the Government was backing Ms McEntee in the wake of the riots, which left parts of Dublin city centre lawless for a number of hours on Thursday night, with shops looted and public infrastructure damaged.
Asked if she was worried about Government TDs not backing Ms McEntee in a no-confidence vote, Ms Humphreys said she wasn't.
It comes after Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan said she did not know how she could support Ms McEntee in a vote of no confidence.
Ms Hourigan, who is currently outside the Green Party whip, told RTÉ’s she had raised concerns about the policing in Dublin City for a number of months, while indicating she would vote no confidence in Ms McEntee.
Ms Humphreys said she had spoken to people in the days after the riot, saying people were “disgusted” with what went on.
“I can say that it was something that the Irish people were absolutely disgusted at. I was out on Friday, I met people, I was talking to them and they said what happened in Dublin is wrong and we as a Government will crack down on this and we will get this sorted,” Ms Humphreys said.
“It should not happen again.”
