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The Taoiseach said Michael Lowry should apologise. RollingNews.ie

Can Michael Lowry be sanctioned for gesticulating at Paul Murphy?

No TD in the last two decades has been sanctioned for breaching the Dáil code of conduct.

LAST UPDATE | 26 Mar

FOR A MEMBER of the Dáil to be sanctioned for breaching the Oireachtas of code of conduct, another TD would first have to make a formal complaint, a spokesperson for the Oireachtas has said.

It is understood that no TD has been sanctioned in at least the last two decades for breaking the values outlined in the Oireachtas code of conduct, with TDs opting instead to withdraw remarks or apologise for particular actions.

Independent TD for Tipperary North Michael Lowry is in the spotlight for making a two-fingered gesture towards People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy, who was using his phone to film inside the Dáil yesterday.

Elected representatives are subject to a code of conduct that details how they present themselves in and deliver their contributions to the Dáil.

The document gives guidance to TDs on things such as offensive language and dress code.

Unlike standing orders, which are formal rules around the operation of the Dáil’s business, the code acts as a basic and common “set of values” that TDs are expected to uphold and respect while inside the chamber.

It gives the Ceann Comhairle responsibility for upholding order in the House and the right to consult parliamentary officials for guidance at times. It also stops TDs from crossing over the Dáil floor or across the chair when another member is speaking.

Mobile phone ‘discourtesy’ 

The tenth rule states that interference from mobile phones is a “discourtesy” to other members and distracts from the Dáil’s business. It rules that any phone brought into the chamber must be switched off or silent.

The twelfth rule makes references to threatening and offensive language and also outlines that “personal attacks, insults, obscenities, and expletives” are not considered orderly.

During Leaders’ Questions today, a number of TDs remarked on the video taken by Paul Murphy in the Dáil and the “two fingers” that Lowry was seen holding up towards the camera.

The Taoiseach equally condemned both politician’s actions today.

“Anybody who uses two fingers in this House to another person is wrong and that person should apologise,” he said. “That would apply to Deputy Lowry.”

“Equally, the opposition should face up and acknowledge that any deputy waving cameras in the face of other deputies is wrong and was never a part and parcel of Leinster House.”

The use of mobile phones inside the chamber is against order but it is routinely not adhered to as ringtones can frequently be heard throughout daily proceedings.

In recent years, the use of camera phones by TDs in the Dáil has also become more accepted.

Murphy has stated that he will not apologise for using his phone in the Dáil, arguing that the public have a right to know what takes place inside the chamber.

Lowry, however, released a statement today, in which he said that his gesture “was not made with malicious intent”.

The independent politician did not apologise for the action and described it as “an errant gesture under provocation”.

He added: “Unfortunately, the gesture has been taken out of context. Unlike others, I have always respected the rules and values of the Dáil. My gesture was not intended to be offensive or to cause any offence, and I regret that it may have been seen in such a way.”

For any TD to be sanctioned for their actions inside the chamber, a member must file a complaint about the behavior which will then be considered by the relevant committee, a spokesperson for the Oireachtas told The Journal.

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    Mute Raymond Barry
    Favourite Raymond Barry
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    Dec 21st 2021, 7:24 PM

    No way are these inmates afraid to talk to inspectors, they are experts at manipulation and complaining, and the “prison watchdog” will run with it to justify its existence and big salaries.

    92
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    Mute Mac Muinteoir
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    Dec 21st 2021, 10:56 PM

    @Raymond Barry: experts at complaining? Sure they’re only trotting after you.

    15
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    Mute Patrick Brompton
    Favourite Patrick Brompton
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    Dec 21st 2021, 5:55 PM

    It appears to me that to say that a black prisoner is a ‘raisin in a bowl of rice’ is not racist, not even a micro aggression, just a rather poetic way of referring to a difference in a prison where no more than 8% of prisoners were from ethnic minorities. But, as my mother taught me, ‘It is easy to sleep on another man’s wound’.

    66
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    Mute Mac Muinteoir
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    Dec 21st 2021, 10:57 PM

    @Patrick Brompton: nah, it’s racist.

    12
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    Mute Scarletrose
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 8:10 PM

    @Mac Muinteoir: It is absolutely not racist!! Get a grip!

    1
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    Mute Michael Byrne
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    Dec 21st 2021, 7:16 PM

    What a load of b…Ollix.

    52
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    Mute Paul Doyle
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:58 PM

    Prison officers.. the highest paid unskilled (sorry 6 weeks training doesn’t qualify as skilled workforce) in the country ..

    34
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    Mute michael o farrell
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    Dec 21st 2021, 8:28 PM

    @Paul Doyle: you do it so

    37
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    Mute Honeybee
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    Dec 21st 2021, 8:36 PM

    @Paul Doyle: If it’s so easy Paul to get the highest salary with no input then tell me why you didn’t jump feet first to secure this lucrative job or maybe the fact it takes three years including work placements, probationary period and obtaining a higher certificate in custodial care and practice might have put you off, not to mention that thousands apply for these positions when recruitment commences and not all are suitable or have the professionalism , tolerance or maturity to deal with society’s most offensive individuals. Frankly I don’t think they are paid well enough for what they do, at least at some stage the prisoners get out while the officers do life to the point of retirement.

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    Mute Paul Doyle
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    Dec 21st 2021, 10:13 PM

    @Honeybee: thousands apply for exactly the reasons I mentioned above

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    Mute Ellie Mae
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    Dec 21st 2021, 11:09 PM

    @Paul Doyle: there all guarda rejects and messed up army recruits

    7
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    Mute Ken Murphy
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    Dec 21st 2021, 11:23 PM

    @Paul Doyle: lol nonsense.

    A 3rd level qualification in Custodial Care is now required, along with Control & Restraint training & 3yrs training as a Recruit Prison Officer before they become Prison Officers.

    Speaking about a job you clearly understand nothing about, would seem a little ignorant & uneducated to me Paul. A very tough job dealing with some very dangerous & violent individuals, keeping you safe.

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    Mute The Mrs O’B
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 10:53 AM

    @Ellie Mae: shameful insult to my husband who is neither thanks very much – seems you’re actually a school reject Ellie Mae – it’s Guard or Garda

    6
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    Mute Phil Brennan
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 12:20 PM

    @Ellie Mae: they’re,not there,Garda,not Guarda……….sounds like someone failed to get past the written exam,the procedure for recruitment is a very thorough process ,the IPS don’t go out and trawl the streets looking for candidates,they have a very deep pool to choose from,now run along and get the last of your Christmas presents and keep your sarky comments to yourself.

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    Mute Pádraig O'Faolain
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    Dec 21st 2021, 11:08 PM

    @Paul Doyle: you need to know the job before you comment on how un skilled it is.
    I suggest you should apply for the job to get you off the armchair and then come back and inform the public how un skilled it is.

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    Mute Phil Brennan
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 12:41 PM

    @Pádraig O’Faolain: I’m sure he’d be the best warden in the world,he just can’t get past the first part of the exam…..Q1.Name.

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    Mute John Mc Donagh
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:35 PM

    Excessive political correctness, just like Papal infallibly is a curse, not a blessing.

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    Mute Robert O'Neill
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    Dec 21st 2021, 11:27 PM

    Wouldn’t have happened with Gypsy Joe in charge

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    Mute Larry O Reilly
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 3:53 PM

    @Robert O’Neill: leave that poor man alone he was my hero

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