Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae is recovering in hospital after he was assaulted in Dublin this afternoon.
He was assaulted by a lone man when his car was stopped in traffic on Cork Street in central Dublin, shortly after 4pm.
Mr Healy-Rae is currently in St Vincent’s University Hospital recovering from his injuries, which are not life-threatening.
The Kerry TD was taken from the road by gardaí who were quickly on the scene.
They took him to Kevin Street Garda Station and an ambulance was called.
He had been in Leinster House earlier and was on his way home when the incident occurred.
Michael Healy-Rae was brought to Kevin Street Garda Station following the incident
No arrests have been made and gardaí say enquiries are ongoing.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have camera footage from the area at the time, to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station 01 6669400 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
‘No place for violence or intimidation in our democracy’ – Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply shocked and concerned by the assault on Michael Healy-Rae.
“I have sent my best regards to Michael and his family this evening and wished him a full recovery from his injuries,” he said.
“It is worth repeating. Violence has no place in a democracy, and those elected to represent the people must be allowed to do their work without fear of abuse or assault.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris had earlier said that he was “very concerned by news of this incident this evening”.
“I’ve spoken to Michael Healy-Rae and sent him my best wishes for a full recovery,” he said.
“There is absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy. Every citizen, including every public representative, has the right to go about their work and their life without fear.
“I also want to commend those who responded to the incident,” said the Fine Gael leader.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan condemned the assault as an “attack on democracy”.
He said he received an update from gardaí on the assault on Mr Healy-Rae, adding: “I want to express my best wishes to him, and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
“Any attack upon a member of the Oireachtas is an attack on democracy, and we should all resolutely stand together in this House in condemning any such attacks.
“People are entitled to have different views politically, but what we will not tolerate is people being targeted or violence being used against them simply because they don’t share the same political views as others.”
Danny Healy-Rae tells Dáil attack on his brother is ‘just not on’
Mr Healy-Rae’s brother and fellow Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae told the Dáil that the attack on his brother is “just not on”.
“Somebody who was doing his work, or wherever he was going, stopped on the road and someone hit him – it’s not good enough,” the Independent TD said during a debate on a bill on garda powers.
“I hope he’ll be alright. I hope his family will be alright,” he added, visibly emotional.
“Them things shouldn’t happen to public representatives. We get elected to help the people.
“It’s tough. We can’t please everyone – we’re doing our best. It is unfair to hit a fellow in the window without being able to defend himself.
In a statement, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said that she was “shocked” to hear of the assault on Mr Healy-Rae.
“I was deeply shocked to learn of the assault on Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. On hearing the news, I contacted him and was heartened to hear that he is in good spirits,” she said.
“I trust that his injuries are not too serious and wish him a full and speedy recovery. I know that the people of Kerry, whom he represents in Dáil Éireann, will share a deep concern for his well-being.
“Earlier today, I addressed the Dáil on our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity, safety and well-being of Members, staff and all those who engage with the work of the Houses.
“This is a very serious and extremely concerning development. As Ceann Comhairle, I condemn violence against any elected representative. My thoughts are with Michael and his family.”
Independent TD Mattie McGrath sent his best wishes to the “hardworking deputy” after the “episode that shouldn’t happen to any politician”.
“It is a timely reminder to all of us,” he added, “and we wish him a speedy recovery”.