45% of female TDs and senators say they have been followed while walking alone after dark.
All this week, Newstalk Breakfast has been looking at the issue of safety on Ireland's streets, after an exclusive survey found almost nine in ten women feel uncomfortable walking alone after dark.
The previous survey was among the general population, but the show also contacted female TDs and senators to hear about their experiences.
33 out of 49 female representatives in the Oireachtas responded to the survey.
Of the TDs and senators Newstalk Breakfast spoke to, 82% have received unwanted attention from a stranger.
73% do not feel safe walking alone after dark, while 67% have been verbally harassed.
15% have been attacked, while 45% have been followed while walking alone after dark.
Comparing the survey findings, female politicians have experienced more incidences of stalking and physical & verbal harassment than the general public.
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Some TDs and senators told Breakfast they’re afraid to cycle or use public transport when going to or from Leinster House.
"I saw the frightened look in her eye"
The survey was carried out anonymously, although some politicians shared their own experiences with the show.
Sinn Féin’s Louise O’Reilly said she had one unsettling encounter after attending a dentist appointment.
She said: “I was walking back to my car, and there was a man walking behind me. He started shouting at me and made to grab at me. I kept walking and didn’t look back.
“I was then joined on the same street by another woman - he started doing the same thing to her. The two of us walked together.
“I got to my car… I saw the frightened look in her eye. I said ‘where are you going?... I’ll give you a lift’. We both put our masks on, rolled down the windows, and I drove her home.”
Deputy O'Reilly said such incidents are frightening and "happen all too often".
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, meanwhile said she has been verbally and physically harassed in the past.
She observed: “When I was younger, I was groped on a street. I would have always thought I’d fight back… but I was just in pure shock. I froze - it was quite shocking.
“When you’re out with your friends or out late at night, you would have men shouting - particularly if they’ve been drinking - in a way you just don’t want. It can be intimidating.”
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this article you can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on their National 24-Hour Helpline at 1800 77 8888
