Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald was asked in the Dáil to remove a badge she was wearing in support of a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum.

The wearing of badges or emblems in Leinster House breaches Oireachtas rules.

The Dublin Central TD removed the “TÁ Comhionannas” badge, which means “Yes Equality”, when approached by an usher and asked to do so.

The incident occurred during questions in the Dáil to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin.

The Oireachtas Code of Parliamentary Standards bans the wearing of emblems of a party-political nature.

Longstanding rules

The longstanding rules state: “Emblems of a party-political nature should not be worn or otherwise displayed within the parliamentary precincts, an exception being made solely in respect of persons attending the distinguished visitors’ gallery.”

All parties support a Yes vote in the referendum.

In the past week a number of members, staff and visitors have been asked to remove badges supporting a Yes vote in the same sex marriage referendum, which takes place on May 22nd.

Last week, ushers were instructed to remind visitors, staff and members of the rule.

Her party leader Gerry Adams wore the Tá badge in the Dáil last week during leaders’ questions to the Taoiseach.

Three years ago, Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan was criticised for wearing a poppy in the chamber.

It is also understood Minister of State Aodhán Ó Riordáin was asked to remove his badge supporting a Yes vote.

He had been asked to remove it last weekend while appearing on the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ.