Minister for Justice Should Proceed with Bill to Prevent Protests Outside Private Residences - Senator Malcolm Byrne

Senator Malcolm Byrne has called on the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, to proceed with his Protection of Private Residences (Against Targeted Picketing) Bill and to take a tougher line against extremist fringe groups who are engaging in intimidation and harassment under the guise of protest. He strongly condemned protests last night that took place outside the home of Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

Senator Byrne’s Bill was debated in the Seanad in January, 2023 and Minister McEntee indicated support in principle but at the time asked for 12 months to consider the detail of the proposal. The North Wexford based Senator is now seeking time for the next stage of the Bill to be debated and for the Minister to proceed with the legislation.

Senator Byrne said: “The behaviour of the extreme fringe group outside Minister O’Gorman’s house was intimidatory and disgusting. Gardai could use certain legislation to try address this but I believe my Bill would make such actions a specific offence on foot of which they could take action.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing more of these actions by thuggish groups who seem to show no respect for the Gardaí. The Gardaí need to take a tougher line with these individuals. Their ‘softly, softly’ approach is not working and the Minister needs to be more direct. These individuals do not respect the State and seem to think they can get away with anything.”

He pointed out that there are plenty of places where those who disagree with State policy can protest peacefully, saying: “we need to always ensure that right to peaceful protest is respected.”

-ENDS-