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Security At Leinster House To Be Reviewed Following Protests

The Justice Minister says she's spoken to the Garda Commissioner about the aggressive protests outsi...
Caoimhseach Connolly
Caoimhseach Connolly

10:19 AM - 21 Sep 2023



Security At Leinster House To...

News

Security At Leinster House To Be Reviewed Following Protests

Caoimhseach Connolly
Caoimhseach Connolly

10:19 AM - 21 Sep 2023



The Justice Minister says she's spoken to the Garda Commissioner about the aggressive protests outside the Dáil on Wednesday.

Demonstrators brought a gallows with pictures of several politicians on it and heckled TDs as they came and went from the building.

Minister Helen McEntee described the scenes as disgraceful.

Some TDs and Senators required Garda escorts to leave the building.

13 people were arrested as part of the Garda response to the incident, and have since been charged.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who's currently in New York attending UN meetings, said while people have a right to protest, security must also be prioritised.

"In a democracy, it's important that we respect the right to protest, but there are limitations to any right.

"It's very important that our parliament is secure. I go into parliament buildings all over the world, security in Leinster house is lighter than most parliaments."

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, who was in the Dáil on Wednesday, was appalled by the scenes.

"It was not a protest against individual politicians or a protest against political parties or even a government.

"It was a protest against the concept, I believe, of representative politics, as we know within our country."



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Dail Protests Leinster House Protests Leinster House Security

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