On 9 November 2022, Deputy Marc MacSharry made remarks in the Dáil in which he alleged bias for over a year on the part of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and, by extension, myself, in the selection of Questions on Policy or Legislation. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle, who was in the Chair at the time, ruled that the conduct of the Deputy was disorderly and suspended the sitting due to great disorder in accordance with Standing Order 75. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle subsequently wrote to Deputy MacSharry on 16 November requesting that the Deputy withdraw his allegations against the Chair. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle made a statement on the record of the Dáil on that same day.
I consider that these actions constitute a report of gross disorder from the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to me, as Ceann Comhairle, within the meaning of Standing Orders and the Rulings of the Chair. Accordingly, I wrote to Deputy MacSharry on 7 December to provide him with a final opportunity to withdraw his allegations by the suspension of the sitting earlier today, that is, by lunchtime. I also informed Deputy MacSharry that I considered that a failure to withdraw his allegations would amount to gross disorder within the meaning of Standing Orders. In this context, I also took the opportunity to brief the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight on my powers pursuant to Standing Orders to deal with a matter of disorder. Deputy MacSharry, unfortunately, has not withdrawn his allegations as directed. Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order 74(1), I now name the Deputy for grossly disorderly conduct. Accordingly, I will proceed to put the question: "That Deputy Marc MacSharry be suspended from the service of the Dáil and its Committees in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 74A." For the further information of the House, the period of suspension under Standing Orders is two sitting days, including today. Therefore, the Deputy’s suspension, if now agreed by the House, will end after tomorrow's sitting and the Deputy will be entitled to attend in the Chamber on the next sitting day after tomorrow, which is Saturday, 17 December.