Journalists refused to leave the Dail press gallery yesterday afternoon when requested to do so by Oireachtas ushers during a five-minute suspension of the House.

The ushers cleared the public gallery and sought to clear the press gallery after the Leas Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, suspended proceedings during disorder in the Dail. Dr O'Hanlon had asked Labour deputy Mr Pat Rabbitte to leave the House for what he said was disorderly conduct, and this was followed by further disorder, leading to the suspension.

The Taoiseach, his Ministers and around 70 deputies including Mr Rabbitte remained in the Chamber during the short break. The journalists refused to leave on the grounds that they wished to report on any matter that occurred during the suspension, including whether Mr Rabbitte left, or attempts were made to remove him.