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Gardaí advance on and pepper spray protesters opposing an IPAS centre in Newtownmountkennedy in clashes last night. Gript captured front line images.

Chaotic scenes at Newtownmountkennedy tonight as a local protest opposed to immigration centre clashed with gardaí who deploy riot shields and pepper spray

Gript Media reporter Fatima Gunning was pepper-sprayed this evening by a member of An Garda Siochána in Newtown Mount Kennedy, despite having repeatedly and audibly identified herself as a working journalist.

Asked about Michael McNamara's viral exchange with Helen McEntee this week, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he hasn't seen the Committee debate. He also said that Ireland would have to significantly improve asylum processing times by 2026 when the EU Migration Pact comes into force.

As radio presenter Niall Boylan launches his election campaign with the Independent Ireland Party today, Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon has accused him of being "polarising". Boylan responded: "I'll give him a hug if he needs it."

Wicklow Cllrs. say politicians are "running for the hills" to avoid having to face local concerns over IPAS centres in the garden county as key figures enjoy the financial benefit of the asylum crisis.

While Irish politicians were telling the public that it was a "red herring" to suggest the recent referendums may impact on immigration, FOI emails tell a very different story. “These people can never talk about the dangers of misinformation ever again," says Ben Scallan #gript

"There has always been music that is quite violent in its language": During a press event on knife crime, Justice Minister Helen McEntee is asked if she is aware of the impact of violent "drill" music in the UK and its rise in Ireland.

"When we're talking about a human-centred approach, we're not actually centering Irish people in Irish communities" - Gript Editor John McGuirk discusses whether the Government is "at war" with people on immigration.

"Is this not a ridiculous situation?": Justice Minister Helen McEntee is asked whether it makes sense for violent biological males who have threatened to attack women to be able to identify as women under Irish law. Question by Ben Scallan.

Female protester says she was "manhandled" and "pushed" by Garda public order unit at 'Newtownmountkennedy Says No' protest.

Taoiseach Simon Harris says that while his re-appointment of Helen McEntee as Justice Minister may have surprised some, it "didn't come as a surprise" to him, adding that he was "pleased" to return McEntee to the job. Question by Ben Scallan.

Protesters at IPAS site in Newtownmountkennedy say an alleged arson attempt is "playing perfectly into IPAS's hands" as large numbers of Gardaí are now patrolling the protest.

Sinn Féin is complaining that “nasty actors” online are saying they support open borders. To help explain why people are saying this, Ben Scallan takes a deep dive into their immigration policies going back decades.

“You can throw money at a problem and not achieve anything." Michael McNamara TD says a dedicated asylum body would be the “Irish Water" of immigration: "a big unaccountable body that fails miserably." "If you want to get thousands onto the streets that's a good way to start."

“The hate speech bill was rushed through the Dáil. I certainly didn’t pay sufficient attention to it…but when I read it I was absolutely horrified." Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea wasn't aware what was in the hate speech bill he voted for, and says he now regrets supporting it.

Former Fianna Fáil members say it was "untenable" to deal with the party anymore as it is "completely detached" from "ordinary people" and that "minority" voices are being heard over the needs of ordinary voters. Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/5bikLFxiwqE

"You could theoretically be found guilty of a criminal offence and jailed if you criticise an illegal immigrant - that was Sinn Féin’s contribution to this legislation": Ben Scallan goes over Sinn Féin's proposed amendments to the hate speech bill, with commentary.

Council are "sticking to their guns" says Sean Meehan who was ordered to remove his caravan off his land by Tipperary County Council or face jail.

"I really saw what I would describe as the 'dark side' of my own party members - in particular Micheál Martin." Galway Councillor Noel Thomas speaks to Ben Scallan about his decision to leave Fianna Fáil, claiming that all main parties have become "totally detached."

Medics call on the government to amend abortion policy to ensure ultrasounds are provided to women seeking termination in order to rule out ectopic pregnancy after a woman in Limerick almost died.

"I didn't tweet in the way that you say": Roderic O'Gorman previously shared a document in 8 languages saying Ireland would provide own-door accommodation for asylum seekers. Ben Scallan asks if this was a pull factor that contributed to the subsequent asylum seeker influx.

Defending her hate speech bill, Justice Minister Helen McEntee repeatedly claimed that Ireland currently has no laws prohibiting incitement to violence. Ben Scallan asks if this means it's currently legal in Ireland to call for violence against individuals and groups.

Daughter asks why the government has '100s of millions' to spend on health but 'nothing' for her 85-year-old mum who is suffering with dementia. The HSE said they 'do not comment on individual cases'. Bloomfield and St. James' Hospital didn't respond.

"I don't think [Simon Harris is] an effective Minister. I think he's been a very poor Minister." "[His] management skills...are sadly lacking." "[His] failings in health are many and well-documented." What did Simon Harris' FF/GP colleagues say about him in years prior?