Opinion
28 Feb 18

Dáil temporarily suspended due to dispute over 'anti semitic' remark

You'd probably expect the snow to be causing some disruptions in the Dáil today, but it was an 'anti-Semitic' remark, made by Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry that caused major interruptions and ultimately led to a ten minute break being called in Dáil Éireann.

The Sligo TD made a slew of comments likening the government to Josephs Goebbels, the Nazi Minister for Propaganda , in light of the controversial launch of the National Planning Framework which is said to have cost an estimated €45,000 alone.

In light of a recent reduction of hours in the Garda station in Donegal town, due to funding issues, MacSharry accused the government of cutting services whilst promoting its own " Goebbels-style launch".

"What message are we sending? It's one thing wheeling everyone down for a Goebbels-style launch. It's another thing when in reality we are cutting services," Deputy MacSharry said.

He further criticized the government for the recent controversial advertisement campaign promoting the National Planning Framework that was put out in national and regional papers this week.

He claimed that the €1.5m spent on the project's advertising and information campaign was robbing the people of Ireland.

Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan and Minister of State Brendan Griffin both called on the TD to withdraw his remarks while Minister for Heath, Simon Harris believed the remarks to be "anti-Semitic" and said that they amounted to "an attack on the Jewish community and the victims of the Holocaust."

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, said he didn't believe that the remarks were directed at any individuals however the Minister for Justice could not accept the Ceann Comhairle's ruling leading in to a ten minute suspension of the Dáil.