The Justice Minister says no former government members should be subject to physical assaults.

The comments from Alan Shatter come in the wake of an attack on former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in a Dublin pub at the weekend.

The former Fianna Fail leader was also recently sent a rope in the post. He was assaulted by a man with a crutch on Friday night.

Minister Shatter says it is important that people obey the law.

But he is ruling out the use of State funds to pay for security for former Taoisigh or the restoration of their garda drivers.

Mr. Shatter says some former Taoisigh are receiving substantial pensions that could help to cover their needs.