Three men arrested over alleged harassment of Simon Harris

Three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged harassment of Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The men, two aged in their 40s and one in his 30s, were arrested by gardai on Thursday morning.

They were arrested by gardai from the Wexford-Wicklow Division, with support from the Special Detective Unit.

The men are currently detained at Garda stations in Co Wicklow under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Gardai said the arrests were part of an investigation into alleged harassment of an elected official.

There have been multiple protests outside Mr Harris’s home, including last week.

Asked about the arrests on Thursday, the Taoiseach said he cannot comment on ongoing garda investigations.

However, asked more generally about security around senior politicians, Mr Harris said: “There’s a distinction between protest and some of the carry on that we see outside certain people’s homes – and I’m speaking broadly in relation to that – and in certain scenarios around the country.

“Protest is a fundamental part of democracy, protest does not equate to thuggery.

“I know the difference and I’m glad the gardai know the difference and the people of Ireland certainly know the difference as well.

“I’m very grateful to An Garda Siochana for the incredible work they do.

“My understanding is that they don’t believe there’s a need for any additional laws and I take them at their word in relation to that.”