Rules to be stricter after Dáil outburst

RULES governing the Dáil are to be strengthened so TDs will be suspended from the House if they resort to the expletive-laden language used by Green deputy Paul Gogarty last week.

Mr Gogarty drew widespread criticism on Friday after turning to Labour TD Emmet Stagg in the Dáil and shouting: “Fuck you Deputy Stagg. Fuck you.”

The outburst came during a heated debate on the legislation giving effect to the social welfare cuts in the budget.

Although he immediately apologised, several TDs felt Mr Gogarty should have been suspended from the House.

The Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges (CPP), which oversees conduct in the House, met last night to discuss the issue. It agreed to write to Mr Gogarty “notifying him of the committee’s condemnation of his outburst and his behaviour brought the parliament into disrepute”.

The committee also agreed to strengthen the rules so tougher action can be taken against future offenders.

“Committee chairman, Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk TD, has recommended the standing orders of the Houses of the Oireachtas be strengthened to enable the Ceann Comhairle to take firmer action against members who have behaved in an unparliamentary manner,” the Oireachtas said in a statement last night.

Mr Gogarty’s outburst on Friday came after his admission that he would support the budget cuts to public sector pay and social welfare even though they were “unfair” and “wrong”.