Calls for Defence Forces to provide extra security at Leinster House
Fáil's At Lawless/pa For Leinster House Brian Fianna Security Picture: Calls Additional Submission
The Defence Forces may be called upon to beef up security at Leinster House amid rising levels of aggression and abuse directed at politicians and staff.
In a submission to a taskforce on protecting politicians, the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party said the use of the Defence Forces for extra security should be “explored”.
The party also wants individual safety audits to be carried out for all TDs and senators.
The submission calls for “additional security presence in and around Leinster House to respond to any safety or security threats that may arise”.
It comes after tense scenes outside Leinster House at the start of the new Dáil term last week, where members were held up in cars for more than an hour as protesters barricaded an entrance.
Protesters carried mock gallows with photographs of high-profile politicians.
In a separate submission to the taskforce, the Seanad Independent Group, led by Victor Boyhan and Michael McDowell, recommended a “prescribed exclusion zone” where protesting would be banned.
This is to be agreed upon in conjunction with the gardaí to allow the safe passage of members, staff, and others during organised street protests near Leinster House.
“While recognising the constitutional right to assembly, the preceding points are made in the spirit of allowing Oireachtas members and all members of the wider parliamentary community to safely conduct their duties,” the group said.
Fianna Fáil made 12 recommendations to the taskforce, which included enacting legislation to safeguard those in political life and ensure social media companies are held to account for any failure to tackle online abuse and the spread of misinformation on their platforms.
“It is imperative that a proactive approach is taken to ensure members can do their jobs and participate fully in political life safely and without fear,” it said.
The taskforce on safe participation in public life, as part of its terms of reference, has been asked to consider the “nature, prevalence, and impact of abuse, including online abuse, and harassment of those who participate in political life, within the Irish context”.
The 17-person taskforce, which is chaired by former Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, was also asked to consider measures to address the problem of abuse and harassment in public life.
It is set to examine the proposals made before a final report is delivered to the Ceann Comhairle by the end of the year.