Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has been discharged from hospital after being assaulted in Dublin yesterday afternoon.
The Independent TD was attacked by a man while his car was stopped in traffic on Cork Street in central Dublin shortly after 4pm.
Gardaí arrived at the scene within minutes and brought Mr Healy-Rae from the road to Kevin Street Garda Station, where an ambulance was called.
He was then taken to St Vincent’s University Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Mr Healy-Rae required stitches for a wound to his head before being discharged shortly before 9pm.
His family said he would return to Kerry as soon as possible.
The former Minister of State had been in Leinster House earlier in the day and was travelling home when the assault took place.
No arrests have been made and Gardaí are continuing their investigation.
Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have dashcam or other camera footage from the Cork Street area at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply shocked and concerned by the assault.
He said he had sent his best wishes to Mr Healy-Rae and his family and wished him a full recovery.
The Taoiseach said: “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 also said he was “very concerned” by what happened and confirmed that he had spoken to Mr Healy-Rae.
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.”
The Tánaiste also praised those who responded to the incident.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the assault as an “attack on democracy”.
He said he had received an update from Gardaí and wished Mr Healy-Rae a speedy recovery.
“Any attack upon a member of the Oireachtas is an attack on democracy,” he said.
Mr Healy-Rae’s brother and fellow Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae also spoke about the incident in the Dáil.
He described the attack as “just not on” and said it was unfair for a public representative to be attacked while stopped in his car and unable to defend himself.
Speaking during a debate on a bill concerning Garda powers, Danny Healy-Rae said: “Them things shouldn’t happen to public representatives. We get elected to help the people.”
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said she was “shocked” to learn of the assault and had contacted Mr Healy-Rae after hearing what had happened.
She said she was heartened to hear that he was in good spirits and wished him a full and speedy recovery.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath also sent his best wishes to what he described as a “hardworking deputy”, saying the incident was something that “shouldn’t happen to any politician”.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate the assault.
