Independent TD Marc MacSharry has been criticised for launching a “verbal attack” on Leas Ceann Comhairle Catherine Connolly.
The now-independent TD, who left Fianna Fáil last week despite moves to readmit him, clashed with Ms Connolly in the Dáil on Wednesday over speaking time.
Mr MacSharry stated that he was not being given enough time to ask questions of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
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“You have consistently put me into the last three speakers, where I am lucky to get 30 seconds,” he told the Leas Ceann Comhairle.”
When he was asked to sit down, Mr MacSharry said he did “not the slightest intention” of doing so until he was “shown a little bit less discrimination”.
“I am just asking that I might get more than 30 seconds every two weeks and I wish you would study the Standing Orders.”
In a letter to the Business Committee, Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle called for the incident to be looked at. Ms Connolly is also a member of this committee.
He argued that it was “an attack on a woman”.
“I believe we need to discuss the actions of Deputy Mark McSharry [sic] yesterday and his verbal attack on the Leas after Questions on promised legislation,” Mr Pringle wrote.
“It was an attack on a woman as well that was calculated, I believe, to have the most effect at that time.
“Not only did he attack the Leas but he also attacked all independent members of the house in his language and I believe that is not on.
“While I have no problem with a member addressing what they may see as an issue in the house the personalised nature of the comments was uncalled for and should be addressed.”
It is understood that further correspondence about the issue could be sent to the Dáil Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Oversight.
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