Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I raise an issue which has concerned me all week, that is, the protest taking place outside the gates. I have been organising street protests all my life, but there are rules. It is unacceptable for any group to harangue, harass and threaten not only Members but also visitors to the Houses. Yesterday I saw a Member and her family being harassed and threatened by the people involved. I ask the Leader to bring this to the attention of the Superintendent. I realise that both he and the Garda have a difficult job to do, but those involved should understand that while in a democracy people should be encouraged to protest, there are rules, just as there are for everything else.