Hauliers and farmers who took part in the fuel protests are now facing summonses. In some cases their registration plates were recorded at the time of the protests and now they are being pursued. These are people who have invested heavily, in some cases hundreds of thousands of euro, into their businesses, trucks and livelihoods. The additional penalty points will see many of them lose their licences and their insurance policies. There is a real risk, therefore, that some of these people will be put off the road and will lose their businesses. I hear that in some cases gardaí are patrolling certain areas where the protests originated and summonses are issuing in the aftermath. Is the Government engaging in reprisal action in relation to the protesters? Are people being penalised for exercising their democratic right to protest? Will the Tánaiste instruct An Garda Síochána to recognise the protest as peaceful, legitimate and driven by financial hardship? It is really important these people are protected.

Time is up and Deputy Lawless knows that the rules apply to him the same as everybody else. There is no point in us talking over one another. The rules apply to him the same as everyone.

I want to be really clear that the Government does not give any direction to An Garda Síochána in terms of implementation of the laws of the land. Anybody who participates in peaceful protest is entirely in accordance with the laws of the land. Peaceful protest is an important part of our democracy. I have participated in protests and I have been protested at. Protest is a good thing in our democracy. What is not a good thing in a democracy is breaking the law, and anyone who breaks the law will face the consequences of the law, as An Garda Síochána applies laws without fear or favour.