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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Louise Burne

Tánaiste admits Dáil security needs to be 'improved' after teen break-in

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that security will need to be examined following a break-in at Leinster House.

A 16-year-old was apprehended in the Oireachtas last Saturday after breaching security.

The Irish Mirror revealed that the teen carried out three break-ins in a month-long spree – but was not spotted in two of them.

Read More: Dáil break-in teen allegedly broke in two weeks before as phone pics emerge

As well as Saturday’s break-in, he also allegedly trespassed in Leinster House around a week earlier. It is also understood he also entered the nearby Iveagh House, home to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking at Avondale House and Forest Park in Wicklow on Friday, Mr Martin said that it was clear after the incident that security at Leinster House needed to be examined.

“That matter now has been dealt within a security context,” the Tánaiste said.

“Clearly security does need to be improved. I've read some of the commentary on this story.

“It's my understanding it's a young teenager. So I'd like to take that into consideration as well in terms of any comment.

“I think it's a situation that ended in a sensitive and effective way by those present in Leinster House.

“I do commend them for the manner in which they resolved the issue.

“It does raise wider security issues obviously for Leinster House itself, which I think will be attended to.”

It is understood that a meeting was held regarding security in Leinster House on Thursday.

Sources told the Irish Mirror that there have been long-standing concerns about the security of the Kildare Street complex.

Multiple sources mentioned the fact that CCTV cameras at both the back and front of the building do not offer a full view of the surrounding streets.

The Irish Mirror understands that the teen entered the complex through a hedge near the National Art Gallery on Merrion Street.

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