Arrest made over entry to Government Buildings amid extra security
By Cillian Sherlock, PA
One person has been arrested and charged after an individual gained access to the Government Buildings campus during heightened security on Budget Day.
Gardaí increased security around the Leinster House and Government Buildings area in Dublin for the budget announcement on Tuesday, weeks after demonstrations during the return of the Dail saw entrances to the premises blocked and included a mock gallows featuring ministers and opposition TDs.
Speaking at a post-budget press conference on Wednesday, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said one person had been arrested during the security operation.
Tánaiste Michael Martin said there was “an incident in Government buildings” but added it was not related to a protest.
A spokesman said An Garda Síochána does not comment on matters before the courts.
Amid the heightened security, the protests did not reach the level seen for the return of the Dáil.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “There weren’t any protests or any significant protests yesterday. But notwithstanding that, there might have been.
“And you know, I’m never going to criticise the gardaí for taking precautions and planning for particular scenarios.”
Asked about the extra security measures around the parliament, Ms McEntee said she “trusts the gardai” in their response to protests.
Commenting on the measures for the return of the Dáil and budget day, Mr Martin said: “I don’t like that level of security around Leinster House, because I used to walk in and out on budget day for years.
“But let’s be mindful of what happened two weeks ago, that was particularly violent and I’d say the gardaí said: ‘We’re not going to have a repeat of that’.”
Mr Martin said the protests outside Leinster House for the return of the Dáil two weeks ago were “fascist”.
“I think it’s for all of us as a society to make it very clear that we are intolerant of the kinds of fascist protests we witnessed two weeks ago.
“There has to be no tolerance for anybody or any group that would inhibit the free movement of people across roads and streets.”
The Tánaiste said many politicians had been victims of harassment and intimidation.
“People should be allowed access and egress to Leinster House without harassment and intimidation,” he added.
Mr Martin said there was a need to be “always alert” around the security of all those working in Leinster House.
He said embassies had also been subject to “attack” during protests, after paint was thrown at the door of the Israeli embassy.
