Bad language report to be given to all TDs following row between Taoiseach and McDonald in Dáil

Ms Murphy asked Mr Martin to withdraw the comment “if you made those remarks, I am not aware that you did”.

The Taoiseach has declined to apologise to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, saying he "cannot withdraw a remark he did not make".

A row over the Taoiseach's language in the Dáil will be referred to a Dáil committee, the Ceann Comhairle has told the chamber.

Verona Murphy also said that a 2010 report on "bad language" would be given to all TDs.

Speaking in Irish, Micheál Martin hit out at Mary Lou McDonald for “telling lies again”, stating that the opposition leader was “ag insint bréaga arís” on the topic of housing — a term which is considered to be unparliamentary language.

There were heated exchanges followed by confusion from the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy in the Dáil when Ms McDonald asked that Mr Martin withdraw the accusation.

However, Ms Murphy was unable to fully adjudicate on the matter as she is not an Irish speaker.

Ms Murphy asked Mr Martin to withdraw the comment “if you made those remarks, I am not aware that you did”.

Ms Murphy then wrote to Ms McDonald and Mr Martin asking him to reflect on his language. However, Mr Martin has argued that in the last Dáil members of Sinn Féin used similar language without reprimand. He has also told Ms Murphy that his translation meant "untruths", though this is also forbidden under Dáil rules.

Ahead of Leaders' Questions today, Ms Murphy said:

“We need to get on with the business of administering the affairs of the state, rather than arguing endlessly over how we administer the affairs of this House. The public will not thank us for doing so.” She said that given the Taoiseach's rejection of the charge, the issue would be referred to the Dáil Committee on Privileges and Procedures.

She added that a 2010 report would be circulated and reviewed to see if it needed to be updated.