There has been a “breakdown in respect for authority” and the “value of life”, the Tánaiste has said, as he spoke about the crash in Co Kildare in which five teenagers were killed. His comments on the value of life come despite his key role in deleting the protection for unborn life from the Constitution.

Simon Harris said there are deep societal issues which need to be examined, saying it is multifaceted and crosses social media, government, the criminal justice system and road safety issues.

“We are now seeing almost a breakdown of authority or any respect for authority in society. On occasion, we’re seeing a lack of respect for the value of your own life. We’re seeing a lack of respect and understanding of the value of human life, the lives of others.”

Five teenagers died when the car they were driving the wrong way down a motorway and collided head-on with another car.

Four members of the same family – three women and a seven-year-old boy – in the second car were seriously injured and remain in hospital.