An Garda Siochana have advised politicians to invest in panic alarms, wear comfortable shoes and act in a "street wise" fashion following anti-social behaviour against officials.
The advice, which was originally issued last year, was recirculated in the aftermath of an assault against two politicians last week. Gardai are currently investigating an incident which involved manure being thrown at Minister for State Anne Rabbitte and Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon last week.
Politicians were handed out a crime prevention sheet in the Dail yesterday evening following the assault. The advice also discouraged TDs from holding forums in lonely buildings and promoted public meetings over visiting constituents in their homes.
READ MORE : Bag of excrement flung at Minister Anne Rabbitte in horror incident
The wearing of comfortable shoes would enable politicians to move quickly if required, according to the advice. The Oireachtas is currently examining whether they can provide financial support to those looking to bolster their personal security, reports the Irish Examiner.
The assailant who threw the bags of manure has claimed responsibility for the anti-social behaviour but refuses to apologise. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told Galway Beo that he tossed the bags at the ground near the politicians rather than directly at them.
He admitted that he would not like to be subject to similar aggression but claimed his behaviour was justified. The assailant said he was hitting out against plans that would lead to the construction of a Biogas plant in Galway.
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