LAST UPDATE | 20 Jun

THREE MEN WHO were arrested in Co Wicklow as part of an investigation into alleged harassment of an elected official have been released without charge. 

It is understood that the official in question is Taoiseach Simon Harris, and that the alleged offences occurred earlier this month.

The three men, two of whom are in their 40s, and another in his 30s, were arrested this morning and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations in Co Wicklow.

They have since been released without charge. A file will now be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 

A garda spokesperson said that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

A number of protests have occurred at the Taoiseach’s home in Wicklow recently, including one last week and another in May.

When asked about the matter today, the Taoiseach would only speak broadly on the issue of protesters outside people’s homes, stating that there is a distinction between protest “and some of the carry on that we see outside certain people’s homes”.

He said he was very grateful for the gardaí and the “incredible work they do”, adding that it is his understanding that An Garda Síochana don’t believe there’s a need for any additional laws in relation to protests outside the homes of public figures.