O'Hanlon moves to end Dail 'lie' claims

TDs have been reminded not to use unparliamentary language in the Dáil, and particularly such expressions as "lie" or "deliberate lie".

In a letter to all deputies, the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, said the practice had been for the Chair to request the "instant and unequivocal withdrawal of all such accusations".

He also cautioned against alleging that a TD "deliberately misled" the Dáil. Dr O'Hanlon, who is also chair of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, said the committee had agreed that the use of expressions such as "mislead", "inadvertently mislead" or "contradictory" were among the acceptable alternatives.

The Opposition has questioned the level of regulation of Dáil language and debate. Fine Gael whip Mr Bernard Durkan, a member of the committee, said the degree of control was far greater than previously and in danger of stifling spontaneity of debate. He accepted, however, that the leeway given to deputies in the past had been abused.

The Labour party whip, Mr Emmet Stagg, also a member of the committee, said the old rule was that "you couldn't accuse anyone of lying. Now you can't use the word 'lie'."

In the letter last month, the Ceann Comhairle reminded TDs of the need to ensure the dignity and decorum of the House were upheld at all times and referred them to a publication Salient Rulings of the Chair, Second Edition.

Dealing with rulings on everything in every Dáil from 1922 to 2002, it includes a litany of unacceptable expressions and accusations. The Dáil itself may not be referred to as "circus, circus ground, farce or slander machine".