The Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan described as “disturbing” the march through the centre of Dublin by Saoradh after the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.
Gardaí have confirmed they were not given advance notice of the march which went past the GPO on Saturday afternoon.
Minister Flanagan said that the public will be sickened at what took place on the streets of Dublin.
Minister Flanagan said: “I know that all right-thinking members of the public are sickened at the sight of a small number of people in paramilitary uniforms, particularly after the horrific killing of a young journalist, Lyra McKee, in Derry on Thursday night.
“These demonstrators do not represent the views of the Irish people who have been united for many decades in rejecting paramilitarism and are rightly revulsed at this display.
“I am informed that An Garda Síochana policed yesterday’s O’Connell Street event appropriately and with restraint in the circumstances.
“The Gardai have to continually use their training and judgment to balance the rights of people to demonstrate. They do this well and maintain the public’s trust.
“At the same time, I am regularly briefed on these matters and I am satisfied that the Gardaí prioritise the security of the state in monitoring of all dissident activity and will continue to do so, in conjunction with the PSNI and other security partners.”
Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe described the march as “absurd” and condemned the murder of Ms McKee saying there are groups that want to take the country back to the “bad old days”.
“These individuals have no support, no legitimacy and no place in our tolerant society. They should disband and lay down their arms.”
Health Minister Simon Harris also condemned the marchers describing them as “pathetic cowards” who had “no place in our democracy”.
Jason O'Toole comment: 'Lyra's killer is not a hero or an Irish patriot'
