Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghail’s worry about the sensitivities of the Beijing dictatorship — sorry, government — is such that he has warned TDs planning to go to Taiwan that their visit risks causing “serious offence and grave concern to our Chinese friends”.

Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghail has been attacked by his own party colleague John McGuinness in a row about a forthcoming trip for TDs to Taiwan.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has paid tribute to former Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy on his death at the age of 94.

The ceann comhairle says he is “frightened” by groupthink, which is “extremely dangerous” for society, in the wake of what he termed as “robust” criticism of the Garda commissioner

In this era of ‘new politics’, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl talks to Juno McEnroe about the unenviable job of maintaining order in a fragmented, argumentative Dáil.

Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghail has sought legal advice on whether Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy’s claims three Jobstown trial gardaí committed “perjury” and “lied under oath” broke strict Dáil privilege rules.

The Ceann Comhairle has hit out at attempts to remove Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan without “evidence”, saying Ireland is at risk of “groupthink” which is “one step short of mob rule”.

Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl made the comment about his "brave" close friend after the latest controversy to engulf the force.

Update 2pm: The Social Protection Minister says he thinks the Garda commissioner is genuine in trying to clean up the dirty practices in the force.

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

The Ceann Comhairle had to use his casting vote in the Dáil to avoid defeat for the Government.

The 32nd Dáil will meet for the first time this morning.

Four candidates are now confirmed for the role of Ceann Comhairle in the new Dáil.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has called for a joint Dáil and Seanad ecumenical service to be held in Dáil Chambers in memory of the Berkeley victims.

Socialist Party Deputy Ruth Coppinger has accused the Ceann Comhairle of an "element of misogyny" in his dealings with her.

Fianna Fáil has confirmed that a call took place last night between party leader Micheál Martin and the Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has requested a meeting with the Ceann Comhairle.

The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party will meet later today to discuss the ongoing with the Ceann Comhairle.

Disorderly TDs who break Dáil rules should face more severe penalties, the Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett has declared.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has said more reform of the houses of the Oireachtas is needed — including a reduction in Dáil late-night sittings.

If anybody has the right to be upset by the constant bickering going on around him, it is the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Seán Barrett.