The Hauntings Soldier sculpture, currently on display in St Stephen's Green to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War I, has been vandalised.

Red paint was thrown over the sculpture last night at around 2am. It has since been cleaned up and a Garda investigation is now underway.

What can be done to stop vandalism?

Martin Conway, Fine Gael Senator and member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, says that whoever carried out the act "deserves the full rigours of the law because it's absolutely appalling."

"We need to have a conversation on this because it is happening all too often. If the Gardaí need additional powers, we in the Oireachtas would have no problem in facilitating legislation to deal with it."

Darragh O'Brien, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Planning & Local Government, says there is a big issue with Garda resources, and that there also needs to be a proper community service in place for offenders.

"Community service is not used as it should be. You've got to shame people in some cases."

"At the very least they should be brought into programmes that teach them about the damage they've done."

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen