A man has been charged and is set to appear in court in connection with an assault on Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae.

The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested yesterday (Thursday, September 17) in relation to the assault on Cork Street on the south side of Dublin city.

The assault occurred the previous day (Wednesday, September 16).

The man was detained, under the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Gardaí confirmed today (Friday, September 19) that the man has since been charged.

He is expected to appear before a sitting of Dublin District Court, Criminal Courts of Justice No. 4, at 10:30a.m this morning.

Gardaí said that the investigation remains ongoing.

Healy-Rae statement

Healy-Rae issued a statement in the wake of the incident, in which he said that "violence can never be accepted or normalised in a democratic society".

The independent TD said: "Following an incident in Dublin yesterday, I want to sincerely thank the gardaí at Kevin St. Garda Station, the ambulance crew, and all the staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital for the care and assistance they gave me.

"I am also deeply grateful to the thousands of people from Kerry and across the country who have contacted me and my family," he added.

"Your kindness and good wishes have meant a great deal to us," Healy-Rae said.

Deputy Healy-Rae went on to say that he will "not be deterred" from continuing his work or representing the people of Kerry, "whatever the intention of this attack".

He said that a "serious conversation" is needed about what he said was "the growing toxicity directed towards politicians and public representatives".

He said: "Disagreements and robust political debate are entirely legitimate, but personal abuse, intimidation, and violence can never be accepted or normalised in a democratic society."

"I look forward to getting back to work in the coming days and I trust the gardaí will find the perpetrator and bring him to justice," he added.