The Tánaiste has said the tone and tenor and tone of a tiny minority of protesters needs to be tackled, and not the security arrangements around members of the Cabinet.

Joan Burton's comments come after the Garda Commissioner described as very worrying the change of tone and sentiment from some protesters.

“Those people are a very tiny minority, nonetheless it’s a worrying development and I think that’s what needs to be addressed,” Ms Burton said.

Speaking at the Garda College in Templemore today - where a new group of garda recruits today entered training - the Tánaiste says she's not in favour of restoring Garda drivers to all members of the Cabinet.

“We recognise as a democratic country that we all have rights to our views and opinions but the way to address issues where there are disputes is through dialogue and mutual respect,” she said.

Garda Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan echoed the Tánaiste's comments, saying:

"People are entitled to democratically protest. What is very worrying is the change in tone and sentiment of that type of protest."