AIRPORT STYLE SCANNERS and x-ray machines could soon be standard for anyone entering Leinster House.

That’s according to a document ‘Proposals On Improvements To Leinster House Security Based On Garda Security Review 2014′, viewed by The Irish Mail on Sunday.

However, the public relations officer for the Houses of the Oireachtas told TheJournal.ie:

That is a draft proposal which is part of a general security review – nothing has been agreed- they are just proposals.

Last April a teenager was arrested after he jumped over the main barrier at Leinster House with a sword.

The proposed plans also include a new visitor search policy. However, TDs are concerned the potential measures could cause long queues at the entrance.

Sinn Féin’s Justice spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn told TheJournal.ie, “I would share the concern of the queues – at times large groups of people are coming in.

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“It’s quiet common in parliaments across the world, I have been to Westminster and there can be big queues to get in there.

Also it’s the people’s parliament and you want people to be able to access it.

“Unless it’s absolutely necessary – I hope it wouldn’t go ahead because of the inconvenience to the public.”

Originally published on 22 February 2015