Security systems 'not up to scratch' at Leinster House

MAJOR security upgrades are set to take place in Leinster House to fortify the building in the coming days ahead of the historic visit of Joe Biden next Thursday.

-  FERGHAL BLANEY

And in an attempt to make security more manageable on the day ordinary staff are being told to stay away from the venue unless they have urgent business in the Oireachtas.

US Secret Service and special Garda units were seen swarming the complex all week as they performed intensive security sweeps and checks.

The visit of a sitting US President requires the highest level of security in the world and it is understood a US security official told a Leinster House counterpart that the systems in place in the Dail are "not up to scratch".