A fresh wave of threats from protesters has forced Gardai to provide new security protocols for embattled Government ministers.
At least three Coalition TDs have been targeted in recent weeks, prompting the need for strengthened security measures, such as panic buttons at reception desks and other designated offices, physical separation between constituency office staff and members of the public, access control measures between public areas and offices, some means of controlling access to offices electronically from reception desks, CCTV to monitor access, and fitting of additional fire-fighting equipment.
The proposed measures also offer advice on how to deal with unannounced protests, protesters pouring flammable liquid on themselves, protesters threatening self-harm, and how to deal with bomb threats over the phone.
It is understood that an increased Garda protection will also be enforced from now on.