Complaint lodged over Independent Ireland members shouting over female TDs

14/04/2026 Independent Ireland TDs Michael Collins, Ken O'Flynn and Richard O'Donoghue. Pic Stephen Collins

The Social Democrats has written to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to formally complain about the conduct of Independent Ireland during this week’s confidence motion.

The party was repeatedly accused of heckling female members of Government when they spoke during the debate in the Dáil on Tuesday.

During the contribution of junior minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Soc Dems TDs Aidan Farrelly and Jen Cummins repeatedly called upon the Ceann Comhairle to intervene when Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn attempted to interrupt her.

Ms Cummins has now written to the Ceann Comhairle, the leas-Cheann Comhairle, John McGuinness, the clerk of the Dáil, and the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, asking them to review the behaviour.

She noted that this behaviour would not be allowed in other workplaces and should not be allowed in the Dáil.

“I was troubled by the repeated instances of deputies shouting over one another, which created a disorderly and unproductive atmosphere,” Ms Cummins said.

“Of greatest concern was the pattern of interruptions directed at women TDs, which undermines both respectful discourse and the principle of equal participation in parliamentary debate.

“I was especially disappointed by the behaviour exhibited by members of Independent Ireland, whose actions contributed significantly to the disruption. They repeatedly shouted over women TDs from the Government.” 

Ms Cummins said that the volume of the interruptions was so loud that those speaking could not be heard.

She warned that this type of behaviour “detracts from the seriousness of the issues being discussed” and sets a poor example for public participation in democratic processes.

“This type of behaviour would not be tolerated in other workplaces and should absolutely not be tolerated in Dáil Éireann,” she continued.

“The Dáil should represent the highest standards of respectful debate, where all elected representatives are afforded the opportunity to speak and be heard without intimidation or interruption. When these standards are not upheld, it risks eroding the health of our democracy.

“I respectfully urge you to take appropriate measures to reinforce standards of conduct within the chamber and to ensure that all Deputies, regardless of gender or political affiliation, are treated with the respect they deserve.” 

A spokesperson for Independent Ireland said it was aware of the letter.

“Rather than recognise the serious crisis people in this country are in, it is unfortunate that a member of the opposition has decided to attempt to distract from the real issues at hand and play the Government's game on this issue," he said.

“We will respond in full through the appropriate channels.

“Independent Ireland stands firmly for respectful, robust debate and will continue to challenge this Government on behalf of the people we represent.”