Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
216. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance 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. [11594/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has received several threats from anonymous callers and members of the public, with threatening and abusive behaviour towards staff.
There were two notable instances where An Garda Síochána were contacted by my Department to report threats against staff, including verbal and physical threats. To specify, in December 2021 my Department received an anonymous call from a member of the public making threats against the state, and verbal abuse to staff. Another call was received in January 2022 from a member of the public, the caller was verbally abusive and threatened to cause physical harm to the then Minister and staff of his private office.
My Department has procedures and training in place to provide guidance on dealing with abusive or threatening behaviour whether it be verbal or written. Our ability to work in a safe environment is important and, where necessary, such matters will be escalated to An Garda Síochána.
