Ceann Comhairle rejects Taoiseach’s claims about heckling in Dáil

The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil has rejected claims by the Taoiseach that Opposition TDs were not being challenged over repeated heckling and interruptions in the House.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl said “some leaders” in the Dáil ignored the chair and only sought protection “when the temperature rises” and this was “futile and unfair”.

Amid fiery exchanges and Opposition heckling on Tuesday, the Ceann Comhairle asked “can we stop bickering and get on with questions?”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in response that he wished to make a point of order. “I’ve noticed now in the last half hour that every time I get up to speak there’s interruptions and there’s heckles and they are not being pulled up, I have to say.”

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Following his comments, Mr Ó Fearghaíl said he would review the record of the day’s Dáil proceedings.

“It’s become very much a part of daily life here that the chair is routinely ignored by people who should know better, irrespective of who operates or sits in the chair,” he said.

On Wednesday at the end of questions on order of business, the Ceann Comhairle referred to Mr Martin’s complaint, of “not providing protections” to Government Ministers from Opposition heckling.

“Given the very considerable significance of that assertion as to how I do my job. I undertook to review the record of what’s happened in the course of yesterday’s business,” he said.

He said and the Clerk of the Dáil had reviewed the record of Tuesday’s leaders’ questions and order of business.

“What we saw during that review was a typical session with interruptions and heckling from many sides,” he said. “But I also saw was the now normal habit of some leaders, ignoring the chair, its requests, and its remonstrations.

“So reverting to the chair only when the temperature rises in the chamber. In light of the foregoing is, in my view, understandably, futile, and unfair. So I therefore reject outright declare made against the chair and exhort members to cooperate to the fullest.”