The TD was described as being “completely and utterly out of order”.
The Dáil was suspended for a time today after a quarrel over speaking time.
In the early afternoon, Independent TD Marc MacSharry – who resigned from Fianna Fáil last week – stated that he wanted to raise a point of order with Leas Ceann Chomhairle, Catherine Connolly.
He then said: “On the question on promised legislation, we’re all entitled to make our case to be involved.
“For over a year now, you have consistently put me into the last three [speakers], where I’m lucky to get 30 seconds, while others enjoy the benefit of celebrating the local sausage manufacturers and the prizes they win for a minute and 10 seconds.”
While he said this, MacSharry was told to resume his seat multiple times by Connolly.
He replied: “I haven’t the slightest intention until you show a little bit less discrimination and positively discriminate people who are actual independents, rather than those like yourself who join and form de facto parties and get to speak three or four times every day.”
Connolly described MacSharry’s behaviour as “completely and utterly out of order,” while MacSharry said:
“I’m just asking that I might get more than 30 seconds every two weeks and I wish that you would study the standing order and accept the fact that this is a very legitimate point so that people can make a case to say a few words.”
As MacSharry failed to comply with Connolly’s ruling, she adjourned the Dáil after which his microphone was then muted.
Prior to this, MacSharry had raised a question to Taoiseach Micheál Martin in regard to the “unprecedented development” of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees.
He asked why emergency planning has not also been invoked to provide Irish citizens on housing lists with modular homes.
In response, the Taoiseach said: “That was a pilot scheme in terms of Ukrainians.
“We have now, with the Minister for Housing, also said that we want to build rapid build housing for the social housing list.”
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