Last Wednesday, a debate erupted in the Dáil when Mary Lou McDonald claimed that Taoiseach Micheál Martin labeled her a liar in Irish. Martin refuted the accusation, clarifying he stated McDonald was telling untruths. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, unsure of the context, referred the issue to a committee to address concerns over parliamentary language and insisted that the Dáil focus on state affairs, rather than personal disputes. The incident underscores the broader issues within parliamentary decorum and accountability regarding language used by members.
"We need to get on with the business of administering the affairs of the State, rather than arguing endlessly over how we administer the affairs of this House."
"Deputy McDonald has made a complaint that the Taoiseach accused her of telling lies. The essence of the Taoiseach's response is that he did not make such remarks."
"The matter of parliamentary language had to be taken seriously. I will bring all correspondence to the Committees on Procedure and privileges for consideration."
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