The Tánaiste and Justice Minister have also commented on the “appalling attack”.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has issued a statement on the suspected stabbing that occurred in Dublin city that left five people injured, including three young children.
Gardaí say they are investigating all the circumstances of the “serious public order incident” which occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday, 23 November.
Five casualties, a man and woman and three young children, have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin Region.
The woman and one child, a girl, sustained serious injuries in the incident, while the man and other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.
According to The Irish Times, the public order incident saw a man attack a group of people with a knife.
An Garda Síochána have said they are in contact with the parents of all three injured children and are following a definite line of inquiry.
They added: “An Garda Síochána is not looking for any other person at this time.”
In response to the attack, The Taoiseach said: “We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square.
“A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.
“I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice who is keeping me updated. The facts in this matter are still emerging.
“The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that. Gardaí have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry.”
Taoiseach issues statement on suspected Dublin city stabbing that left three children injured
Justice Minister Helen McEntee, meanwhile, said she is “deeply shocked by the appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman in Dublin today”.
“All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period,” she added.
“I have been briefed by the Garda Commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior Gardaí.
“It is my understanding that Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for any other person at this time.
“This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice.
“However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.”
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) November 23, 2023
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also wrote: “Deeply shocked by the serious incident in Dublin which has left several people injured, including a woman and a number of children.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, their families, friends and the emergency services who responded so quicky at the scene.”
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, who is a TD for the area in which the attack took place, said: “My thought and prayers are with the victims of this very serious incident, and their families.
“Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street police station.”
Main image via Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
