Joan Burton was attending an event in Jobstown, near Tallaght when large crowds opposed to water charges gathered around her car.
Gardai say no arrests have been made.
A spokesman for the Minister said while there was no comment on the protests, the Tanaiste was in Tallaght to attend a graduation ceremony for students of higher education programmes at An Cosan, for whom this was a very special day, and nothing should be allowed to overshadow their achievements.
