Probe into ‘verbal abuse’ of Fine Gael TD Catherine Byrne by Traveller advocates

A Fine Gael TD has lodged a formal complaint about Traveller advocates verbally abusing her on the grounds of Leinster House, after being left “visibly upset” and in “a state of shock” following the incident.

Dublin South Central TD Catherine Byrne’s complaint has been investigated by gardaí and is being officially considered as an act of harassment. The incident is alleged to have occurred last week after a motion was led in the Dáil by Sinn Féin which was calling for Travellers to be recognised as a separate ethnic group.

According to a confidential report filed by gardaí in Leinster House,