A man who was arrested after he scaled the railings at Leinster House in an alleged attempt to remove the Palestinian flag has been granted bail, but ordered to stay away from all government buildings.
The incident occurred shortly before 6pm yesterday at the Merrion Square side of the complex.
Gardaí and Oireachtas security personnel observed a man climbing the fence and then trying to make his way across the Leinster House lawn to where the newly-hoisted flag, marking Ireland’s official recognition of the state of Palestine, had been placed.
Paul Whelan, 39, with an address at Rowland Road, Dublin 12, was arrested and charged.
He appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin District Court charged with burglary by trespassing with intent to commit an offence in the garden at Leinster House.
In evidence, Garda Conor Dineen said the accused “made no reply” when charged.
Gda Dineen had no objection to bail if Mr Whelan agreed to obey conditions, including a restriction on him going to all government buildings.
Defence solicitor Evan Moore told the court that his client consented to the conditions.
Judge Cronin read out the terms of the bail and warned Mr Whelan to remain away from all government buildings and provide gardaí with a mobile number on which they could contact him at all times.
The court heard he would be living at an address in Dublin 2 and the judge told him to notify gardaí in case of any change.
Mr Whelan has not yet indicated a plea and was remanded on a €200 bail bond to appear again on 10 July.
Legal aid was granted after the judge noted from the defence solicitor that the accused was on social welfare and had no assets.
Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions must be obtained.
