Taoiseach says parties should discuss Leinster House security in wake of suspension of usher

Simon Harris told a private FG meeting there ought to be a discussion about the safety of Oireachtas members and staff and their families

At a private meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, concerns were raised with Simon Harris about security and the vetting of Leinster house staff. Stock picture

Taoiseach Simon Harris has suggested that representatives of the political parties should hold a security meeting with Leinster House officials after the suspension of an usher.

At a private meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, concerns were raised directly with Simon Harris about security and the vetting of Leinster house staff.

It comes after a Leinster House usher was suspended after allegedly posting far-right and anti-immigrant content online.

It is understood the usher was subject to a disciplinary meeting which included a HR representative and a line manager concerning a number of online posts and was escorted off the campus on Monday evening.

The matter was raised by Kerry TD Brendan Griffin. He did not mention the specific case but suggested that those at the meeting had seen media reports and questioned whether security needs to be assessed.

Taoiseach's 'proactive' response

Mr Harris responded that it would not be appropriate to discuss any specific case, but acknowledged a need to discuss security and safety in Leinster House. He said he is concerned about security, and it is not just an issue for TDs and senators, but also for their staff and families.

The Taoiseach suggested the chairpersons of each in political party should engage with Oireachtas officials to discuss wider issues around security.

Kerry TD Brendan Griffin raised the issue of security at the Fine Gael meeting. Neither he nor the Taoiseach referred directly to the recent suspension of a Leinster House usher. Picture: Oireachtas

“He replied directly and in a proactive way,” one member said of the Taoiseach’s remarks.

It is understood the matter was not raised at Wednesday evening’s Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting. 

Ushers in Leinster House control entry to the Dáil and Seanad chambers, receive visitors, and conduct tours through Leinster House. They also are present in both chambers and at the entrances to Leinster House.

It is understood the usher has been suspended on full pay while an investigation is carried out.

Meeting discussed childcare funding

Also at the Fine Gael meeting, Tipperary based senator Garret Ahearn said a childcare provider in Clonmel had come out of the government-funded core funding scheme due to an inability to increase prices while in the system.

Mr Ahearn said this would mean families would have to pay up to €55 a week extra and that around 100 families were affected. He told the meeting that, despite huge investment by the Government in the sector, those families would not feel the benefit.

Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon said he had experienced similar in his constituency.

The meeting also heard calls from Mr Harris for new ideas from Fine Gael members to tackle the cost of living.