Through hanging posters and knocking on doors, we have a very intimate relationship with our electorate as part of our democracy. Over recent weeks, I have watched local election candidates who simply want to hang their posters and knock on doors receive a level of vitriol that I have not witnessed during my time in politics. It is having a chilling effect. In my constituency, I have seen two women, one on my party's team, being threatened with a box blade to take down the posters. Yesterday, a local election candidate was physically abused. I welcome the Ceann Comhairle's report on safe participation in public life, which he launched yesterday. I simply want to ask the Tánaiste whether he is aware of this increasing danger, particularly for those candidates who simply want to knock on doors and engage in the democratic process. It is becoming an increasing threat. I want to know that the Tánaiste is aware of it and there are actions to be followed.

I am very much aware of it. I heard the Ceann Comhairle this morning on "Morning Ireland" very articulately and trenchantly putting the case and saying society as a whole must address this issue in the interests of democracy. Some of the cases we have heard about and read about recently are shocking. The very negative misogynistic focus in particular is a worry and for women who wish to get into politics, it is a significant deterrent in itself. In no way do I want to understate the significance of what Deputy Gannon is saying but we should also say the vast majority of people are courteous, warm and hospitable. I was in Virginia in Cavan last night with Philip Brady. We had a very warm reception and engagement. People may not all agree with what we articulate-----

That is always the case.

I just want to say it because I am passionate about democracy and I do not want people to say we cannot knock on doors. We can. We do need to address it, and collectively the House should look at supports we can provide to public representatives in terms of protection, particularly at their homes.

We are over time, sorry. We cannot go into the detail of it.