The Garda Representative Association issued a statement today on water  protests, notably in North Dublin, that are causing concern for Gardaí on the frontline.

The statement says in several cases, their members have been subjected to threats to their personal safety and property both directly and online.

President of the Garda Representative Association Dermot O’Brien spoke to Jonathan Healy this afternoon and said that the Gardaí have to use a reasonable amount of force in cases where protests are getting out of control.

Mr. O'Brien confirmed that the Gardaí are now using cameras to record the protests, saying they were "being utilised at the moment."

He also stated in relation to the statement: "People have phones. People record what's going on. You have to remember incidents they don't get out of control, they're in control but they have to take control of the situation. Sometimes force has to be used and people have to realise that. It's an element of our job."

Jonathan then asked in relation to a video circulating online if "a woman in her later years being shoved, is that reasonable?"

Mr O'Brien replied: "Well, to me it is reasonable. The Guard had to do his job. If it's the same video that I've seen, he had to remove the lady. He has a job to do."

Here is the interview in full: