Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if security at the Irish embassy in London will be reviewed in view of a recent security incident at the embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3923/07]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when security at the Irish embassy in London was last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3924/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 102 together.

The Embassy in London is located at the corner of Grosvenor Place and Chapel Street. At approximately 12 noon on 30 January, a man climbed from the street onto the Embassy's first-floor balcony on Grosvenor Place. He then unfurled and tied to the balcony railings a banner protesting against the Shell company's plans for bringing natural gas ashore at Rossport, Co. Mayo. At the same time, about 12 other protestors were seen at street level, handing out leaflets to passers-by on Grosvenor Place.

Embassy staff immediately alerted the Police and a number of officers from the Diplomatic Protection Group of the London Metropolitan Police were on the scene within minutes, liaising with the Ambassador and Embassy staff and monitoring the activities of the protesters. Escorted by Embassy staff, two Police Officers also proceeded through the Embassy to the balcony, where they held discussions with the protester. Within a short time the protester agreed to leave the premises and did so via the main staircase, in the company of the Police Officers. The banner was also removed. The Embassy understands that the man was questioned by the Police and was released some two hours later. In the meantime, the other protesters had been moved on by the Police.

Throughout the incident the Embassy remained in constant contact with relevant officials of the Department at HQ. At no time did any protester gain entry to the Embassy building except, as indicated, in the company of Police Officers. Nor was there any threat to Embassy staff or any damage to Embassy premises.

In consultation with An Garda Síochána, security at the Embassy is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, I regard this as a serious incident and I have asked the Ambassador, in consultation with relevant officials at Headquarters and the Garda Liaison Officer stationed at the Embassy, to again review Embassy security in order to ensure that the premises and its staff are and remain safe and secure.