A man who attempted to remove the Palestinian flag at Leinster House by scaling the railings has been granted bail with a condition to stay away from all government buildings.
The incident happened shortly before 6pm yesterday on the Merrion Square side of the complex. Gardaí and Oireachtas security personnel observed a man climbing the fence and making his way across the Leinster House lawn towards the newly-hoisted flag, which marks Ireland’s official recognition of the state of Palestine.
Paul Whelan, 39, of Rowland Road, Dublin 12, was arrested and charged with burglary by trespassing with intent to commit an offence in the garden at Leinster House. He appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin District Court.
Garda Conor Dineen testified that the accused “made no reply” when charged. Gda Dineen did not object to bail if Mr. Whelan agreed to certain conditions, including staying away from all government buildings.
Defence solicitor Evan Moore informed the court that his client accepted the conditions. Judge Cronin outlined the bail terms, instructing Mr. Whelan to avoid all government buildings and to provide Gardaí with a mobile number for contact at all times.
The court was informed that Mr. Whelan would reside at an address in Dublin 2. The judge instructed him to notify Gardaí of any address changes. Mr. Whelan has not yet entered a plea and was remanded on a €200 bail bond to appear in court again on 10 July.
Legal aid was granted after the judge noted the defence solicitor’s statement that the accused was on social welfare and had no assets. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are pending.
