Savita Halappanavar comments
Senator Ó Ríordáin sought an apology from Senator Mullen for comments about Savita Halappanavar and urged a respectful tone in future debate. The Chair said the matter was outside the Chamber's jurisdiction, but the senator pressed the point.
I have received correspondence on this matter as Cathaoirleach. I did not hear what he said but it did not happen in the Seanad Chamber.
Comment on this
I have made a rule that once it is outside my jurisdiction in this Chamber, I cannot interfere.
Comment on this
With the greatest respect, this individual has insulted the name and the family of a dead woman. He did so deliberately and in a callous manner. He also did so with a veil of Christianity which, for me, is quite repugnant to anybody who holds the Christian faith in any type of respect. I suggest that a letter be sent from you, a Chathaoirligh, to Senator Mullen regarding his comments and that he be asked to apologise in the Chamber to the Halappanavar family for what he said. Perhaps we can get back to debating the eighth amendment in a respectful tone, which is what Members of this House should be doing and not insulting a dead woman, particularly in the week of her anniversary.