Gardaí respond to bomb threat at home of Justice Minister Helen McEntee

An investigation is underway after a caller phoned the Samaritans and claimed explosives had been planted at the property this afternoon

Gardaí have once again been called to the home of the justice minister after yet another hoax bomb threat.

Detectives attended the scene of Helen McEntee’s home on Sunday afternoon after a caller phoned the Samaritans helpline and claimed that explosives had been planted there.

A search was conducted and no explosive devices were found.

The caller is understood to have claimed to be a prisoner detained in Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison. The Irish Prison Service is understood to be investigating the claims.

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Gardaí have also confirmed an investigation, with a spokesperson saying: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on security details relating to individual State officials or government ministers.

“Gardaí are investigating a potential threat against an elected representative in the east of the country.”

The threat is the latest of many similar threats made against the minister for justice in recent years.

A man, who cannot currently be named as he is facing trial on a separate matter, was recently convicted of making a similar hoax bomb threat in relation to Ms McEntee. That man is currently imprisoned but is not serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison.

Investigators are understood to be keeping an open mind about this latest incident, and believe it is possible that a copycat could have made the call.

Similar threats have also been made against Taoiseach Simon Harris, who spoke out when he was targeted in a bomb hoax earlier this year.

“I’m staying in my home. This is a clearly unacceptable situation. Even the word hoax, I’m not sure it’s a fair word because I’ve no doubt these things are done to intimidate and to upset,” the Taoiseach said at the time.

“I have young children, and I have a wife. This is an utterly unacceptable situation. I do think, and I say this really respectfully, that all of us in our discourse, including the media, need to reflect on how we sometimes comment on these matters.”

Speaking on Sunday afternoon, Mr Harris condemned the threat against Ms McEntee’s family home. “Obviously this is horrific to see a threat at anybody's home,” he said.

“My colleague and friend Minister Helen McEntee works hard every day in the interest of people in this country. Herself and her family are entitled to their absolute safety in their own home and everywhere else.

“This sort of behaviour should always be condemned by all. I’ve no doubt the Gardaí will take this matter very seriously.”

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