Parties united in concern for hunger striker

There were cross-party demands that a deal be done with the abuse victim, Mr Tom Sweeney, who had been on hunger strike for three weeks outside Leinster House.

Mr Sweeney, who was protesting over his treatment by the Residential Institutions Redress Board, later accepted medical attention as a formula to end his hunger strike was brokered.

Mr Paul Gogarty (Green Party, Dublin Mid West) sought an emergency Dáil debate. "This House will not meet again until next Tuesday by which time Mr Sweeney could be dead, which would have profound and tragic implications, not just for the family concerned but also for the State."

When the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, insisted there could not be a debate under standing orders, Mr Gogarty continued to speak and refused to resume his seat. "It is a matter of conscience," he said. Dr O'Hanlon then ordered him from the House.

Mr Emmet Stagg (Labour, Kildare North) said colleagues from all parties, including Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte had been involved in the matter and had put forward a proposal to resolve it.

The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said it was a very sensitive and delicate matter, in which representatives of all parties had been involved, and she hoped there could be a successful and positive outcome.

The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said Mr Sweeney had a deep conviction that what he was doing was warranted. "Nobody wants him to die. I hope this can be dealt with successfully." Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) appealed for immediate action in line with the unanimous appeals made in the House.