"My thoughts remain with the young children and their crèche worker who were so viciously assaulted on Thursday.

"The children, their carer, their families, friends and those who are caring for them must remain at the forefront of our thoughts this weekend.

"I have been briefed this afternoon by Commissioner Harris and senior Gardaí on the ongoing operations to maintain order in Dublin city centre.

"I have also been briefed today by Gardaí in Pearse Street and the Bridewell, as well as the Dublin Metropolitan Region Control Centre at Heuston Station.

"I thanked Gardaí and Garda staff for their work in recent days in restoring order in the capital and told them the government fully supports them in that work.

"A total of 48 arrests have been made in the city since Thursday and a high visibility policing plan is in place throughout the weekend, including the deployment of four public order units.

"The dog unit and the mounted unit are also being deployed, and two water cannons are now available for use if required.

"I have provided additional overtime in the capital, and I am determined to maintain the momentum we are now building in Garda recruitment to increase the number of Garda members on the ground.

"I have allocated an additional €4.4 million for the purchase of 95 extra Garda cars and vans by the end of this year.

"This includes 17 high visibility public order Garda vans which will be deployed in our towns and cities across the country to provide further reassurance for people, businesses and communities. It also includes 38 new fully electric patrol cars and 40 unmarked surveillance cars.

"This is in addition to 10 high visibility community policing vans which are currently being prepared for deployment.

"The Commissioner and I continually assess what more can be done to support An Garda Síochána, either through additional resources or legislation.

"I want to again be clear that the thuggery we saw on Thursday will not be tolerated and, as Minister for Justice, An Garda Síochána, including Commissioner Harris, have my full support to maintain order.

"Those responsible will be brought to justice."