Taoiseach: ‘Unacceptable’ and ‘disgraceful’ incidents

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that recent incidents of sexism in Leinster House were totally “unacceptable” and that remarks by senator David Norris were “absolutely disgraceful”.

Speaking in the Digital Hub in Dublin, Mr Kenny said that Fine Gael TD Tom Barry had apologised for grabbing party colleague Áine Collins and putting her on his knee in the chambers. “He said this would never happen again. He was truly apologetic to all his party colleagues in his action,” Mr Kenny said.

Mr Kenny was speaking as TDs began an almost nine-week holiday from the Dáil, returning on Sept 18. They will return to a busy term as intense negotiations build in the lead-up to the budget in on Oct 15.

Ireland will also be preparing to exit the bailout programme, while campaigning will be well under way for yes and no votes in the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad, which is expected to be held in early October.

Committee debates will continue in Leinster House until the end of the month and the Seanad will continue sitting until next week.

The Oireachtas Commission yesterday forecast spending at Leinster House would drop to €108.6m, 3.4m less than this year.

A total of 84 bills have been initiated this year, including proposals for Oireachtas inquiries.