Justice committee ends after heated exchange during minister's questioning

Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy said his questions were relevant and claimed that there was 'clearly an agenda to undermine' him as chairman and that he would not tolerate it. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

The Oireachtas Justice Committee ended abruptly after the chairman and vice-chair engaged in heated exchanges during questioning of Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

Committee chairman, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy was questioning the minister on the cost of international protection centres used to accommodate asylum seekers when vice chairwoman, Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly interrupted him.