Water charge protestors could face being put behind bars after being charged over a protest is Tallaght last year.

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn is concerned about the situation and said it is "deeply worrying".

Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: "The right to protest is a fundamental democratic principle. However, there is a responsibility on those organising protests to ensure that they are safe and peaceful and that they do not go over the top.

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"Having said that, protests by their very nature are disruptive, and if you are involved in a very unpopular government, implementing very unpopular policies, then you should expect protests and disruptions.

"The idea that more than twenty protestors could face jail time for delaying the Tánaiste for a couple of hours is highly disproportionate and this is a very worrying development."

(CD)