Statement by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD

As has been reported, my office has endeavoured in utmost good faith over the intervening two months to find a compromise between government and opposition in relation to the speaking rights issue without success. Despite months of negotiation no consensus resolution of this dispute was achieved.

As elected Ceann Comhairle I made the declaration required by the Dáil Standing Orders on assuming office in the following terms:

“I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, and maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann.”

I have accordingly solemn obligations to (i) act without fear or favour, (ii) to apply the rules laid down fairly and impartially, (iii) to maintain order and (iv) to uphold the rights of every single elected member.

I have loyally, scrupulously, and impartially adhered to my solemn undertakings made to the House, and through the House to the Irish people.

The Constitution provides that Dáil Éireann elects its own chairman and prescribes the powers and duties of that office, and provides that the Dáil makes its own rules and Standing Orders, and that every question in the House is determined by a majority of the members present and voting other than the presiding Ceann Comhairle.

Prolonged disorder and obstruction is utterly unacceptable in any democratic parliament. So too is making false accusations of partiality and collusion against its officials and Chair. By virtue of the independence of the office of Ceann Comhairle, I am in the unenviable position that I cannot descend at will into debate to defend myself against the entirely false allegations of collusion made against me in the Dáil today.

I categorically reject these totally unfounded allegations. I have at all times followed the correct procedures of the House and the advice of the impartial officials present. The Clerk of Dáil Éireann has independently prepared a report on yesterday’s proceedings detailing the procedures followed. It has been laid before the Dáil and accordingly is a public document.

I fully intend to continue to carry out the onerous office to which I was elected in accordance with the solemn undertakings I gave the Dáil upon my election. 

I call on every member of the House to reflect on and abide by their own constitutional obligations, to refrain from disorder, and to respect the rights and dignity of every other member and of the House itself.