Senators warned to turn off mobiles

Senators will be thrown out of the Seanad chamber if they don’t turn off their mobile phones, they were told today.

As politicians returned to Leinster House after the winter recess, Seanad Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan issued the warning when one Senator was interrupted three times by interference with the sound system.

Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly was attempting to raise the issue of the Israeli attacks on Gaza, during the Order of Business, when the incident happened.

An irritated Mr Moylan said: “People who brought phones into the chamber, would they please turn them off or leave them outside. Immediately.”

He added: “That is not simply good enough. People will be ordered out if that occurs again.”

Mr Daly, who said his Blackberry was powered off, resumed his contribution but had to stop again due to more interference triggered by a nearby mobile phone.

Mr Moylan was forced to repeat his warning: “Whoever has phones, Blackberries or whatever, would they please turn them off or leave them outside.

“It’s impossible to conduct business in the house. It’s not good enough.”

Mr Moylan apologised to Senator Daly who then continued before being interrupted for the third time.

Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer said from the Opposition side of the chamber: “The phone is coming from over there. It is being picked up on the microphone.”