TDs drank while Dáil session continued

The Dáil bar remained open until 5am during the all-night sitting on the abortion legislation and a number of TDs frequented the private members’ drinking area in between votes on the bill.

There were calls yesterday for TDs under the influence to be barred from the chambers during Dáil business.

Oireachtas authorities defended the opening time of the bar, saying it was official policy to keep facilities open for members for up to half an hour after business.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill was debated for 13 hours on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

There were calls yesterday for alcohol service to be restricted as Oireachtas members were seen entering and exiting the bar and were consuming alcohol throughout the sittings and votes during the night.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams told the Irish Examiner that members with drink taken should be barred from entering the chambers: “I question the need for a bar in Leinster House which is after all a workplace. Even if it were necessary for hospitality reasons, there should be a prohibition on members being in the Dáil chamber under the influence.”

Leinster House has two bars. One is the public bar which closes at normal hours and is open to members, journalists, Oireachtas staff, and the general public admitted to the grounds, while the other is a private members’ bar which only TDs and senators can enter. Both bars were busier than usual during the all-night sitting. The Dáil canteen also served food until 5am.

The Government denied there was excess drinking during the abortion debate and defended sitting through the night.

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte denied to Newstalk that any TD was drunk: “There is this popular myth about drinking in Leinster House and the truth of the matter is it has almost disappeared in the last 10 years in particular.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the late-night sitting was necessary or Dáil debate on the legislation would run until the end of July.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said arrangements for the late night sitting were “shambolic” and “lamentable”. He said the Government only contacted other party whips by text at 9.57pm on the night and announced the Dáil would sit until 5am.