Arrest made over entry to Government Buildings amid extra Budget Day security
One person has been arrested and charged after an individual gained access to the Government Buildings campus during heightened security on Budget Day.
Gardai increased security around the Leinster House and Government Buildings area in Dublin for the Budget announcement on Tuesday, weeks after demonstrations during the return of the Dail saw entrances to the premises blocked and included a mock gallows featuring ministers and opposition TDs.
Tanaiste Michael Martin said there was “an incident in Government buildings” but added it was not related to a protest.
A spokesman said An Garda Siochana does not comment on matters before the courts.
Amid the heightened security, the protests did not reach the level seen for the return of the Dail.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “There weren’t any protests or any significant protests yesterday. But notwithstanding that, there might have been.
“And you know, I’m never going to criticise the gardai for taking precautions and planning for particular scenarios.”
Commenting on the measures for the return of the Dail and Budget Day, Mr Martin said: “I don’t like that level of security around Leinster House, because I used to walk in and out on Budget Day for years.
“But let’s be mindful of what happened two weeks ago, that was particularly violent and I’d say the gardai said: ‘We’re not going to have a repeat of that’.”
Mr Martin said the protests outside Leinster House for the return of the Dail two weeks ago were “fascist”.
“There has to be no tolerance for anybody or any group that would inhibit the free movement of people across roads and streets.”
The Tanaiste said many politicians had been victims of harassment and intimidation.
“People should be allowed access and egress to Leinster House without harassment and intimidation,” he added.
Mr Martin said there was a need to be “always alert” around the security of all those working in Leinster House.
He said embassies had also been subject to “attack” during protests, after paint was thrown at the door of the Israeli embassy.