A victory for former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins in her appeal over her treatment by the Dail Public Accounts Committee would undermine “a core principle of our democracy”, freedom of speech in parliament, the State has told the Supreme Court.

Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl has promised to deliver substantial reform of how the Dáil is run now he has been elected ceann comhairle. He is the first to be elected by secret ballot.

Fianna Fáil TD Sean O Fearghail has been elected to become the new Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil.