Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1542. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has had the need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers, at any level, working within the Department during the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11596/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the safety of my Department's staff is of utmost importance.
My Department was established in August 2020. Since its establishment, the Department has requested the assistance of An Garda Síochána on occasion, when required. Such assistance may be required for a variety of reasons, including for example when a member of the public refuses to leave a Department office, or where there is a protest underway at an office of the Department. Gardaí are contacted either through calls to the local Garda Station or via dialing the emergency number, 999.
