The public must not lose its access to politicians through increased security measures according to a local TD.
Sinn Fein TD for Longford/Westmeath Sorca Clarke says while precautions must be taken, Ireland must retain open access to representatives.
The discussion follows the re-issuing of security advice to TDs in the face of a number of recent incidents.
Last week, bags of cow dung were thrown at two Galway politicians while at a public meeting, while earlier in the year, the home of local Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny was damaged after a car drove through the gates and into the house.
Advice from Gardaí includes the wearing of a panic alarm, wearing comfortable shoes in case there is a need to run and the avoidance of meeting constituents in their own home.
Deputy Clarke believes that while dealing closely with the public is a key part of the role, common sense and risk assessments must be made.
"I think anything that removes or reduces that level of very positive interaction is not where we need to be, there's nothing to be gained from something like that. At the same time we can't ignore the more serious end of this. Again, when somebody's physical safety is being threatened, as we've seen in the UK where two individuals actually lost their lives, that's not something that we can ignore but having an interaction with someone that may be heated, doesn't constitute abuse".
