Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What happened yesterday in the vicinity of the front gate of Leinster House was shameful and disgraceful. Certainly, it was not related to peaceful protest. I am delighted to hear this morning that the other House has taken action and that the Garda Commissioner will be in the Houses tomorrow morning to discuss the matter. We are all aware of the constitutional position, and while we do not want to go heavy on it, two Members of this Chamber were accosted. I am not speaking for them, as they can do that for themselves, but the way they were treated was shameful and disgraceful. Apparently, at least one Member of the other House was also so treated, and he has spoken for himself.

Seanad Members need to take the matter up within our own Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I do not have the remedy, but I am sure the Garda Commissioner will talk to whoever is there tomorrow. It may be that more gardaí are required here at certain times. It may be that the Garda did not think this group was verging on violence. From what I have heard and from what I saw on television last night, it certainly was not peaceful. We all believe in peaceful protests, but protests that are determined not to be peaceful or to break the law - I gather some people were arrested last night - should not be allowed up to the gates of the Houses. It is as though some protests are coming right up against the property. While they may not be defacing it, some Members may have been roughed up coming in and out. I have not witnessed it personally, although I am aware of the two Members who tried to leave by car last night and had to be rescued by gardaí. In any event, the situation has to be addressed. We cannot simply sit back and do nothing. I am delighted that some action has been initiated, apparently, by the other House. It may be a matter for the Cathaoirleach and his office to examine. The Leader is probably more aware of matters than me and I look forward to hearing any news he has. He might liaise with the other Chamber so that both Houses act on this matter jointly.