13 Nov 2014, 16:30
The stand-off in the Dáil chamber is deeply regrettable especially when important business is being dealt with by the Dáil.
It is important to understand the cause of all of this. Deputy McDonald represented Sinn Fein at Leaders Questions and when she was finished her question, I called on Deputy Maureen O Sullivan for the Technical Group. Deputy McDonald then rose to her feet again and proceeded to interrupt business. When asked by me to resume her seat she refused. I then told her that if she didn’t resume her seat she would have to leave the Dáil Chamber in accordance with the rules of the House. The Deputy refused. At which point I had no choice but to put the question to the House and the House voted to suspend the Deputy. I then asked that the Deputy leave the House which she refused to do. I was then required to ask the Captain of the Guard to remove the Deputy. To date the Captain has been unsuccessful in his efforts to escort the Deputy from the chamber.
I cannot resume the business of the House until this sit- in is stopped. It must be clearly understood that it is not my decision that Deputy McDonald leave the House but it is a decision that was taken by the majority by way of vote. If this action continues beyond 4.30 p.m. and for the purpose of avoiding further reputational damage to the Institution, I will have no option but to formally adjourn the sitting until next Tuesday at 2 p.m. Finally, I wish to say that I regret very much having to take this route but there is no other option open to me.
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