Ministers assured that gardaí will keep eye on their homes

MINISTERS have been assured that garda patrols near their family homes will be increased in the wake of a weekend demonstration targeting Simon Harris.

The event, which Mr Harris said was “very frightening” for his family, prompted a discussion at Cabinet about security concerns other ministers have, the Irish Independent understands.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan sought to reassure colleagues that actions are being taken to protect their safety.

They were informed Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey is carrying out a review of security on foot of a growing trend of threats.

“People spoke at Cabinet about how they are genuinely worried for their family. It would only take one person to take things too far,” a source said.

One minister questioned the wisdom of removing the entitlement to a Garda driver from ministers in 2011.

The move was one of the first cutbacks announced by Fine Gael after entering government. It has saved the Exchequer around €4m a year.

Sources said there was no question that ministers were seeking a return to the previous regime.

Gardaí have been monitoring an increasing amount of online “chatter” relating to potential threats against politicians.

Officers are understood to have concerns around specific ministers and have upped monitoring of their homes.

“It’s unsettling, especially because we’re away from home a lot,” one minister said.