The family at the centre of an eviction case in Co Roscommon have made a public statement, accusing the Taoiseach of attempting to "deflect attention away from some of the very serious issues" relating to their case.
The eviction itself happened at the farm last Tuesday, with footage of the repossession going viral on social media.
In an incident at the repossessed property over the weekend, eight security men were injured, at least six vehicles were burnt out and a dog was killed.
In the Dáil earlier today, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty were involved in a heated row over the case.
This evening, the McGann family released a statement through Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy.
They say they have been "overwhelmed" by the support they've received in recent days.
In the statement, they write: “The forced eviction from our home has left our family shocked by unforeseen events that were thrust upon us.
"We wish to make clear we condemn all forms of violence and want to see the rule of law upheld but we have also been deeply upset by the use of inflammatory language that has characterised much of the media reportage."
The McGanns suggest their plight "has been exploited by some wishing to further their own narrow agendas", and say they were "disappointed" by the Taoiseach's comments today.
They have called on Leo Varadkar to refrain from making commends that 'further compound' their stress.
They have also appealed for privacy as they continue to prepare for Christmas - adding they'll be making no further statements as the eviction is a legal matter.
Today I spoke with members of the McGann family in Strokestown who were subjected to a forced eviction last week. Subsequently the McGann's, who are family friends, requested that I release the following statement on their behalf: pic.twitter.com/hfdsgTxmAl
— Matt Carthy MEP (@mattcarthy) December 18, 2018
Dáil row
In the Dáil today, Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty hit out at the Government after a video showed security guards forcibly removing a family from the property last week.
Deputy Doherty said there was "widespread public concern" over the manner in which the three people were evicted.
He argued: "That any family would be subjected to the type of treatment that was visited on this family last Tuesday is appalling.
"The lack of accountability is shocking... There's a need for urgent regulation in this area."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the eviction was on the foot of a High Court order, and accepted that it may now be a "wise idea" to look into regulation of private security involved in evictions.
He observed: "Nobody likes to see anybody evicted under any circumstances... nobody wants to see it particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
"However, the High Court does not order eviction orders lightly in Ireland."
Deputy Doherty then accused the Government of 'abandoning communities', claiming banks have been allowed "to ride roughshod over ordinary people".
A heated row then broke out between the two deputies.
The Taoiseach said it was "very concerning" that the Sinn Féin TD did not comment on the weekend raid which happened in the wake of the initial eviction.
He later claimed: "When it comes to Sinn Féin, and the rule of law, and public order, and condemning violence... it doesn't take very long for your balaclava to slip."
That prompted strong objections from Deputy Doherty.
Calling the chamber to order, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle insisted both men should consult the Dáil transcripts if they want to revisit the matter.
