Deputy Mattie McGrath has given notice in writing to the Ceann Comhairle that he wishes to make a personal explanation and the Ceann Comhairle decided to permit it.
Personal Explanation by Member
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to make a statement. I make the statement in regard to comments made by me in the course of a Topical Issue Debate on 8 December 2011. During the debate, I mentioned by name an individual who is not a Member of the House. I would like to withdraw from the record of the House the remarks and any direct or indirect references to the person in question. Furthermore, I offer my most sincere apologies for any offence or negative impact arising from the naming of the individual during the debate. It was not my intention to cause any such effect and I hope my apology and this retraction may go some way towards addressing the concerns raised by the person in the aftermath of the debate.