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,

a woman with a delegation advocating the Traveller community “verbally accosted” the TD as she was walking to her car in the courtyard of Leinster House. Ms Byrne points out that the delegation was approved for entry into the grounds by Sinn Féin.

The Garda report claims that the group had earlier caused “disturbance by shouting” and waving sheets of paper after the vote, which was lost by the Opposition, took place. The group, after being spoken to by gardaí and the ushers, then ceased any further disturbance.

Later, though, in the courtyard, Ms Byrne reported to officials that she had been “verbally abused,” the report says. The captain of the guard as well as a Garda sergeant arrived on the scene, the report said.

The report says: “As this incident involved the harassment of a member it represents a material escalation in the level of a threat to a member.”

The issue was discussed by the Oireachtas Committee on Procedure and Privileges last night. Proposals were heard to restrict how TDs could bring in guests to Leinster House, which one source called “outrageous”. Restrictions being examined include barring TDs from bringing in guests if some misbehave and making visitors enter the Dáil chamber from a separate area. It will be discussed again.

Meanwhile, one month after the Carrickmines fire tragedy, a delegation by Pavee Point handed a petition to Government calling for the establishment of a Traveller agency.