Threat made against Simon Harris and his family

Simon Harris has faced threats at his home following his appointment in April

A threat made against the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris and his wife and children is being investigated by Gardaí (Irish police).

The threat, which mentioned knives, was posted on Instagram at the weekend, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

Mr Harris has said he will not be deterred from doing his job.

"The laws of the land apply to people online just as much as offline," the taoiseach said in a statement.

"There can be no hiding place for anyone seeking to threaten, attack or harm people or to incite others to do so," Mr Harris said.

"Politicians have become a regular target and it is on the brink of being viewed as acceptable or a normal part of the job.

"It is not acceptable," he added.

It comes just days after a van was rammed into the gates of the Department of the Taoiseach and six weeks after a hoax bomb threat at the taoiseach's family home in County Wicklow.

Groups of people have also gathered outside Mr Harris's house and the homes of other high-profile Irish politicians in recent months.

RTÉ have reported that some of those involved were wearing masks and carrying anti-immigration banners.

In May, a month after Mr Harris took office, he said "people's families and people's homes should be out of bounds".