Taoiseach told to ‘stop behaving like a child’ by Ceann Comhairle

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Taoiseach has been told to “stop behaving like a child” by the Ceann Comhairle, following a series of interruptions in the Dáil.

Proceedings in the chamber on Wednesday afternoon were marked with a series of interjections from both Government and Opposition benches.

Some of the interruptions related to a row on speaking rights which has hung over the business of the Dáil since the formation of the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government, supported by independent TDs.

During questions on policy and legislation, Labour TD Alan Kelly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were engaged in a back-and-forth exchange on vetting applicants to the Garda College, despite the Ceann Comhairle indicating it was Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney’s time to speak.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy told Mr Kelly to respect Ms Gibney’s time and as Mr Martin continued to speak, she added: “Taoiseach, please stop behaving like a child.”

There were numerous objections to the comment from the Government benches, as the Taoiseach insisted he had not been interrupting.

Ms Murphy said: “What we seem to have this morning is a playground, so I’d ask everybody to conform and have respect for the members whose time you’re taking up.”