Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the bomb threat made on his family home last night was "utterly unacceptable".
Speaking in Brussels, Mr Harris said: "I have young children, I have a wife, and this is an utterly unacceptable situation."
Everyone, including the media, "need to reflect on how we sometimes comment on these matters".
"If masked men turn up outside your house, it wouldn't be described as a protest. It's not a protest when it happens outside my house either," he said.
Mr Harris also said he did not think the word "hoax" was "a fair word" to use, "because I have no doubt these things are done to intimidate and to upset".
He said he will not be moving from his home, adding that "this situation can't be allowed to continue".
The threat was made in a phone call to the Samaritans helpline.
Mr Harris's wife and young children were at home at the time. After a search of the home by gardaí, no device was found.
Threat was 'deplorable' - McEntee
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee described the bomb threat as "deplorable" and said she was pleased "everyone is safe, and everyone is well".
She said there is a changed environment for those working in politics, and unfortunately, it is something that has become more common.
"It can't be tolerated, it's not acceptable and everything has to be done to make sure anyone responsible for that should be held accountable. That's it end of, it will not be tolerated," she said.
Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said the bomb threat was a "shocking incident".
He said it was particularly insidious as family members were in the house at the time and he said such intimidation was an "absolute disgrace".
Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly said attacks on politicians' homes must not be tolerated.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Colm Ó Mongáin, Ms O'Reilly who is Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Workers Rights, Enterprise, Trade and Employment said TDs need to "speak with one very clear voice" that attacks on politicians' homes will not be tolerated.
"We have work to do and we should be free to do that work without fear of intimidation," she said.
"I think when a person's home is involved, that's an extra element there which is deeply distressing and very disturbing and I want to send my support to the Taoiseach's family because I know it must have been very traumatic for them," Ms O'Reilly added.
Additional reporting Ailbhe Conneely, Sandra Hurley
