The Taoiseach has revealed that he declined an offer from gardaí for extra security in the wake of the water protests.
Enda Kenny told a Dáil committee scrutinising his department's budget for this year that if extra security around the President is suggested by gardaí, then it will be provided.
He has again described as “disgraceful” a recent protest of the President where Michael D Higgins was called a midget and a parasite.
Mr Kenny says he does not feel his own security needs to be beefed up at this stage, however.
“I haven’t actually, but I would say that the gardaí have sort of been interested in providing security,” he said.
“But I’m the kind of person who’s out and about a lot and similar facilities that have been provided over the years have not been provided in this case.
“I didn’t feel that they were necessary and I don’t feel that they are necessary now, either.”