Security at Dáil to be beefed up in months

Dáil visitors, including schoolchildren on class tours, will be forced to undergo scanner checks on any bags or items they bring into Leinster House within months under beefed up security measures.

The plans, which are outlined in a detailed garda document drawn up after an attempted sword attack last year, come just days after one senior Labour minister revealed he has received “death threats” and another was targeted by protesters while out for Sunday lunch.

In response to an incident in April 2014 when a man brought a sword and several knives through security in a guitar case before being apprehended, the cross-party committee on procedure and privileges (CPP) asked gardaí late last year to examine ways to improve safety.

The ‘Proposals on Improving Leinster House Security Based on the Garda Security Review 2014’ report, drawn up by Dáil superintendent Paul Conway, was completed in early summer.

However, in the aftermath of recent alleged security issues involving TDs, senators and ministers, the CPP has now rubber-stamped the changes to be implemented before the end of the year.

While officials are keen to ensure Leinster House remains accessible to the public, Government sources said the security improvements will be put in place “in the coming months” and will include:

• Scanner upgrades so that the machines will be used “the whole time” to check bags and other items people bring into the complex;
• Swipe cards will be used on all doors to ensure people are only able to access areas they are allowed to be in;
• Extra security and usher staff to be considered in light of ongoing claims of security concerns;
• Warnings “fixated loners” may target the complex.

While the report was concluded two months ago, the renewed interest in what it contains comes after a number of recent incidents involving alleged security breaches and threats against public representatives.

A fortnight ago, a joint anti-water charges and pro-Greece protest outside the Dáil saw a female garda knocked unconscious, officers accused of brutality and two senators trapped in their cars as they attempted to leave the premises through the crowds outside.

At the weekend, Environment Minister Alan Kelly said he has received “death threats from dissident republicans”.

The Labour deputy leader yesterday pulled out of a planned Irish Water debate at the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal next Tuesday.

However, a spokesperson insisted the change has nothing to do with the recent controversy, and is instead due to the fact Mr Kelly has to attend an EU Council negotiation in Luxembourg on pollution emissions, while the Environment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2015 is also due before the Seanad.

On Sunday Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin videoed himself being accosted by at least 20 protesters while having lunch at Dublin city centre’s Bar Italia.

The Labour TD, who was not engaged in official business at the time, was surrounded at his table by the Dublin Says No campaign who shouted “Labour, traitor, out, out, out”.