Ceann Comhairle rules out questions on RTÉ apology

The Ceann Comhairle has prevented Opposition parties in the Dáil from raising questions this morning about the RTÉ decision to apologise to the Taoiseach over a news report on Tuesday night.

The state broadcaster issued the apology following a report about the satirical nude portraits of Brian Cowen that were hung on the walls of two Dublin galleries without permission.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny described the apology as "grovelling", while Labour Party TD Liz McManus accused the broadcaster of bowing to political pressure.

However, attempts to raise the matter were ruled out of order by the Ceann Comhairle, former Fianna Fáil minister John O'Donoghue.