Government ministers have given an initial green light to proposed legislation that could see thugs who intimidate the families of politicians outside their private homes jailed for six months or more.
The new Bill will be introduced in the Seanad by Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne on Thursday and it will not be opposed by any of the Government parties, a decision that was taken by ministers at Cabinet on Tuesday.
The Bill will seek to crack down on the frightening protests that are becoming increasingly common outside places where private people - like politicians or asylum seekers - live.
Mr Byrne’s Bill comes as politicians face increasing harassment, with women in particular subjected to some vile abuse just for doing their jobs.
And it also comes as innocent Ukrainians and other asylum seekers are seeing dark protests outside the reception centres they have been sent to after escaping horrific ordeals in their home countries.
Mr Byrne’s new law would tackle both of these, and would not infringe on the freedom to protest, Mr Byrne has said.
The Wexford politician said he is all in favour of legitimate public protest, but that it goes too far when innocent refugees or the families of politicians are targeted.
Mr Byrne said: "This is a piece of legislation that is designed to prevent protests outside an individual’s home.
"I’m a very strong advocate in terms of peaceful protest, I believe it’s a very healthy sign of our democracy, but there are plenty of places for people to protest, other than outside people’s homes.
"We saw during the pandemic where some extreme groups chose to protest outside the homes of Government ministers and leading healthcare officials.
"We’ve seen it now outside the homes of those who are receiving asylum here.
"There are plenty of places if you disagree with Government policy you can go to, like outside the gates of Leinster House, outside constituency offices, outside Government departments or agencies, you can get your point across there.
"Targeting an individual’s home should be beyond bounds because you’re not alone targeting the individual involved, but you’re also having an impact on their family."
Mr Byrne told the Irish Mirror that jail terms of up to six months could be imposed on conviction of a second offence.
Mr Byrne added: "The Bill provides that in the case of conviction you’re going to be talking about a fine in the first instance.
"But for a second or subsequent conviction after due process, there is the option of imprisonment.
"It’s obviously up to the judge, but you’re talking of a sanction of imprisonment for six months or longer."
The Bill is called the Protection of Private Residences (Against Targeted Picketing) Bill and is coming before the Seanad on Thursday for its Second Stage reading.
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