Garda Commissioner tasked with Leinster House security review
Muireann Duffy
A review is to be carried out examining security at Leinster House following protests earlier this week as the Dáil returned from the summer recess.
Thirteen people were arrested on Wednesday during demonstrations which saw a mock gallows with images of a number of TDs from Government and Opposition parties erected on Kildare Street in Dublin city, outside the gates of the Oireachtas buildings.
Politicians, journalists and Oireachtas staff were shouted at as they entered and exited the premises, with Gardaí having to escort some TDs from the area.
Following the protests, which were widely condemned by politicians across the political divide, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has asked Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to conduct a review, focusing on the safety of TDs, senators, political staff and those working at the Oireachtas campus.
"The chairs of the respective parliamentary parties and parliamentary groupings in the Oireachtas, and representatives of the staff and media working in Leinster House, will be asked to contribute to the review and will be met with as part of this process," a statement from the Department of Justice added.
In addition to examining measures at Leinster House, contributors will also be asked for feedback on safety while working in their constituencies and on set parliamentary days, such as budget day and the first sitting of new Dáil terms.
Officials will also examine whether existing legislation is sufficient to deal with "intimidation centred on our democratic institutions", the department added, with Ms McEntee engaging with the Attorney General in this regard.
"There has been a noticeable deterioration in the tone and content of some, increasingly personalised, commentary on political and public affairs, particularly on social media," the Minister said.
"We saw this aggression and coarseness evident in the disturbing scenes outside Leinster House this week. I am determined to take all steps to ensure this does not develop further.
"We must also ensure that the small minority who wish to attack democracy do not deter people from participating in politics and engaging in public life. Political engagement, vigorous debate are vital to public life and our thriving democracy," she added.
The department said the review will be conducted by the end of October.
