Before adjourning, I wish to acquaint the House that I have made inquiries into an incident which took place within the precincts of Leinster House last evening, concerning which Deputy Flanagan made complaint against Deputy Killilea at the commencement of business today. That complaint was that Deputy Flanagan had been molested by Deputy Killilea because of a remark made by the former in the course of his speech in the Dáil yesterday.
I felt bound to take very serious note of the complaint because, if substantiated, it would constitute a grave breach of the privileges of this House and of its members. Members must be free to express their views in this House, within the rules of Order, without threat of interference, physical or otherwise, as a result.
Having interviewed the two Deputies and witnesses of the incident, I have come to the conclusion that the matter does not require further investigation and that the House need not take any action. Deputy Killilea has assured me that he did not intend at any stage to use violence and I accept that assurance. Nevertheless the House must deprecate such unseemly incidents.
Owing to the imminent adjournment over the Recess I have thought it better to dispose of this matter at once, rather than let it lie over for three months.
