Garda leave cancelled for May Day protests

The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that the entire Garda force will be on duty for the May Day ceremonies around the country.

During heated exchanges, Bertie Ahern called on Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party to ask anarchists not to travel to Dublin.

Deputy Higgins refused the request.

The Taoiseach said: "The entire force is in operation effectively next Saturday. So leave arrangements and days off - particularly on a May weekend - are not in place, so the numbers are not reduced."