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# State of the Nation
Security at Leinster House to be beefed up after increased risk to TDs
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in Irish politics right now…
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Everyone’s talking about…
Security at Leinster House is to be strengthened after a TD was allegedly accosted by a member of the public.
The Irish Times notes that a meeting between the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges and gardaí was arranged last night after Fine Gael TD Catherine Byrne was allegedly confronted by a member of the public on Kildare Street.
RTÉ reports that the Dublin South Central TD was challenged on her voting record on a private members motion on Traveller rights.
This afternoon Byrne told TheJournal.ie:
An incident occurred last week with a member of the public inside the gates of Leinster House, which is my workplace. I understand that it is standard protocol for the Oireachtas Committee on Procedure and Privileges to be convened to discuss any incident or security related matter in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The work of this Committee, of which I am not a member, is confidential, and I am satisfied that they are dealing with it.
The CPP is said to have approved plans to increase lighting in Leinster House car parks and have a separate entrance for visitors.
RTÉ said a proposal requiring TDs and Senators to give 24-hours notice for visitors to come to Leinster House was rejected.
Back in July, a number of Oireachtas members abandoned their cars as they were prevented from leaving Leinster House due to a protest.
The agenda
- Arts Minister Heather Humphreys will answer questions at 9.30am.
- The health committee will discuss the development of mental health services for children at 9.30am, before turning its attention to working with people with intellectual disabilities at 11.15am.
- The Public Accounts Committee will meet at 10am.
- TDs will debate the Policing Authority Bill, as well as bills on burglaries and health insurance from 10.45am onwards.
- The final Leaders’ Questions of the week will kick off at noon.
Inside Leinster House
Independent TD Peter Mathews was ordered out of the Dáil chamber after clashing with Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, who gave him some homework to do.
What the others are saying
- The Irish Independent is reporting that a diary kept by an alleged victim of sexual abuse involving a former minister will be central to a Garda investigation into the claims.
- A number of publications are reporting that Judge Brian Cregan has asked for a second judge to be appointed to help him carry out the IBRC loans inquiry.
- The Irish Times reports that there is growing optimism in the North a deal can be reached on social welfare reform and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
In case you missed it
- Reports emerged that a former minister is being investigated over child sex abuse claims.
- The IBRC loan inquiry is back in the news so we took a look at what it’s all about.
- Donald Trump reiterated his plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico if he’s elected US president.
- The Dáil heard that a National Car Test (NCT) inspector failed to test a car because there were dog hairs in it.
- Dublin City Council called a snap meeting with just one topic on the agenda: Clontarf sea wall.
- Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he supports the move to reduce the length of time an individual is bankrupt for.
- A number of female MPs were made to leave the New Zealand parliament after making declarations that they had been victims of sexual assault.
Good day for…
Barack Obama: He became the first US president to appear on an LGBT magazine cover.
Bad day for…
John Perry: A number of publications are reporting that the former junior minister will definitely not be added to Fine Gael’s ticket in Sligo/Leitrim after an unsuccessful meeting with the Taoiseach. Here’s our story on the issue from last week.
On the Twitter machine
Fidelma Healy Eames is sticking her colours to the mast…
Comments on this article are closed due to an ongoing Garda investigation.
Originally published: 9am
