Taoiseach threatens to disallow Dáil order of business amid 'constant heckling' 

Micheál Martin's criticism of 'constant heckling' from the opposition came after tense exchanges in the Dáil over plans to abolish the triple lock

File picture of Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking in Dáil Éireann. File picture: Maxwell's/PA

The Taoiseach has threatened to disallow the Dáil’s order of business from taking place if heckling and interruptions from opposition TDs continue.

Micheál Martin has criticised what he described as “constant heckling” from the opposition, after tense exchanges in the Dáil over plans to abolish the triple lock.

During questions on promised legislation today, Tuesday, Mr Martin was questioned by Sinn Féin’s Mairéad Farrell over the changes, who said the Taoiseach was “hellbent” on dismantling Irish neutrality.

In his response, Mr Martin said he would not be “intimidated or browbeaten by campaigns of untruths” that he seeks to dismantle Irish neutrality.

“I am not on any campaign that is intent on dismantling Irish neutrality. The triple lock is not in the Irish Constitution,” Mr Martin said.

During the session, Mr Martin criticised the Ceann Comhairle over what he described as “constant heckling” from the opposition during his responses.

“I also have to say, through the chair, that it is unacceptable the degree to which people on the Government side are constantly interrupted when they speak, whereas we allow members of the opposition to speak without interruption, as I have on all occasions this afternoon,” Mr Martin said.

“The reality of this is that there seems to be one rule for Sinn Féin and a different rule for everybody else in the House.”

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy rejected Mr Martin’s accusation, saying: “It is the same rule for everyone, Taoiseach”.

In response, Mr Martin said: “It is not actually.”

There were interruptions from Sinn Féin TDs, including party leader Mary Lou McDonald and whip Pádraig MacLochlainn.

During the exchange, the Taoiseach took further aim at Ms Murphy, after she said he was “out of time” in his exchange with Ms Farrell.

Mr Martin said: “It is not ‘out of time’. The problem is the constant heckling.”

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter