Seanad report: The leader of the House, Ms O'Rourke, said she thought that the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, was "tired" when he made a critical reference to her during the debate on the proposed ending of free third-level fees, on Wednesday night.
Commenting on Ms O'Rourke's stance on the fees issue, Mr Shane Ross (Ind) congratulated her on "her great show of independence. I think it is refreshing that we have an independent leader who will take a different line from the government. Long may it last," he said.
Mr Ross said he realised that he had flattered Ms O'Rourke with a political kiss of death.
For her part, Ms O'Rourke thanked Mr Ross for his solicitude. However, she said she thought it did one good to be chastised from time to time.
But she would understand that the Minister was "tired on the occasion". Amid loud laughter, she added: "No, I mean it."
Mr Brian Hayes, Fine Gael leader in the House, addressed the possible fall-out from the fees issue by saying they had learnt yesterday that independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and his band had been in contact with the Government to provide a second flank in case the PDs walked away.
"The republican guard seem to be alive and well in north and south Kerry,"said Mr Hayes.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said he had encountered Mr Healy-Rae in a corridor of the House only 20 minutes beforehand.
He had complimented the Kerry deputy about the spring in his step and the glint in his eye. "I said to him: 'You are back'."
The Seanad is being asked to agree that performing artistes should be granted the same tax concessions as creative artists.
A motion tabled by Mr David Norris and supported by four other independent members, urges that performing artistes - actors and musical performers - be given equal treatment.
Mr Norris said that those in the performing arts - actors and musical performers - could be employed for several weeks and then have no work.
He wanted to ensure that these people had an entitlement to social welfare provisions and thereby be provided with a safety net.