Senior ministers have condemned the attack on a teenage boy in Navan, arguing that it is not representative of young people in Ireland.
The 14-year-old suffered a concussion, broken teeth and extensive bruising in the assault which left him with a shoe print on his forehead. Videos of the incident have been widely shared on social media.
Speaking in Shannon, Education Minister Norma Foley vowed that psychology supports would be offered to the child by her department if they were required.
READ MORE: Taoiseach condemns attack on Navan teen and 'sick individuals' who filmed incident
“I think it is nothing short of shocking and appalling,” she said.
“This should never have happened.
“I meet with young people all the time. I spent many, many years working with them. This is not a reflection of who they are. This is not who we are in this country.
“I am appalled that it should have occurred in the first instance. I am very much so cognisant of the young person who is at the centre of this, I hope his recovery will be speedy.
“From our point of view in the Department, we are very keen that any supports that he will need going forward, whether it is from a NEPs [National Educational Psychological Service] point of view or any supports of that nature, we will not be found wanting,
“It is a sad, sad day to see something like that happening.”
Justice Minister Simon Harris, meanwhile, said that the video being shared online “stopped us all in our tracks”.
“I was quite horrified. I think the people in this country were horrified,” he said.
“I took the opportunity on [Wednesday] evening to speak to the teenage boy’s mum and just to convey my horror and my solidarity and to inquire, most importantly, as to his well being.”
Mr Harris said that he could not comment any further due to the Garda investigation but that the “whole country is sending our best wishes to that young teenage boy for a speedy recovery”.
The incident was also condemned by Tánaiste Micheál Martin in the Dáil, who noted that while he had not seen the video, he had heard it described as “stomach-churning”.
He said: “I must say that the country has been sickened and disturbed by the shocking attack on this young boy; the random violent nature of it, the videoing of it and the posting of the video online.
“I agree that there is absolutely no place in our society for such violence.
“I believe collectively, in this House and across the country, we condemn what has happened.”
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