Justice Minister tasks Garda Commissioner with Leinster House security review

The Minister for Justice has asked the Garda Commissioner to conduct a security review of the Oireachtas campus, including protection of TDs, senators and other people working on the premises.

The announcement comes days after a mock gallows was brought to a protest outside Leinster House on the first day back after the summer recess.

The protests were criticised across the political spectrum, and calls have been made to review security measures around the site of the Oireachtas, on Kildare Street, in Dublin city centre.

More than a dozen people were charged after the demonstrations, which saw entrances to Leinster House blocked and included a mock gallows featuring ministers and opposition TDs.

Parliamentary parties and groupings, as well as representatives of staff and media working in Leinster House will be asked to contribute to the Garda Comissioner’s review.

It will give those groups the opportunity to express their views on “general security and protection”, including on work in their constituencies.

The garda process will feed into the Oireachtas taskforce on safe participation in political life, the Ceann Comhairle’s security review announced earlier this week and work on a new security allowance for members.

A report is due by the end of next month.

An Garda Siochana said it constantly monitored the security of elected representatives and the force had increased protection services following a recent security assessment.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said justifiable concerns had arisen in light of the recent incidents and protests.

“It is clear that, over recent years, there has been a significant increase in the level of abuse, on and off-line, targeted at politicians, their staff and those working in our democratic institutions.

“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.

“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.

“Ireland is not immune from the coarsening of debate and physical risks that we have seen elsewhere so we will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all those who participate in public life.

“I have asked the Garda Commissioner to carry out a review of security and protection of TDs, senators, their staff and people working on the Oireachtas campus, and I expect to receive a final report by the end of October.”