Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On that point, as a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, Cathaoirleach of the House and somebody who asked for measures to be taken following the event recently, I support the Senator's call for the right to protest. However, the barricades yesterday were not to preclude or exclude, but to protect members of staff, Members of the Houses and the democratic institution that is the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Senator is quite free to talk to me at any stage about it, but it was not to exclude anybody. As a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission who proposed that action be taken following the events of a number of weeks ago, I will stand up for the democratic process that is the Houses of the Oireachtas. It was not to exclude anybody, however, just so the Senator is aware. I am very happy to have a conversation and talk to her about. I just want her to know that.

I call Senator Maria Byrne.