Dáil rules need reviewing to avoid ‘gagging writs’

The Tánaiste has agreed Dáil rules should be reviewed after TDs alleged “a gagging writ” was used to shut down debate this week about an upcoming inquiry into claims of garda malpractice.

Joan Burton was responding after the Opposition criticised the shutting down of discussion around the commission of investigation into garda practices at the Cavan/Monaghan division.

It came after lawyers for Alan Shatter, the former justice minister, wrote to Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett who then stopped the debate as it could “encroach on the function of the courts”.