Paul Murphy claims he was defamed in Dáil

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy will make a formal complaint today alleging Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and four Fine Gael TDs “defamed” him during Wednesday’s divisive Dáil Jobstown row.

The left-wing TD will make the claim to Oireachtas officials against Mr Varadkar, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, Arts Minister Heather Humphreys, super-junior minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, and Bernard Durkan as the political fallout from the controversy deepens.

The formal complaint emerged as Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl confirmed he has officially asked the cross-party committee on procedures to investigate Mr Murphy’s own Jobstown trial “perjury” claims after reviewing his Dáil comments.