Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1947 > Committee on Procedure and Privileges > Report - Fracas between two Members of the Dáil on 24th April, 1947

IMEACHTA AN CHOISTE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE

Déardaoin, 1ú Bealtaine, 1947.

Thursday, 1st May, 1947.

1. The Committee met at 11 a.m., in Committee Room 91.

2. The following members were present:—

The Ceann Comhairle (Chairman); The Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach; Deputies Beegan, Breen, Briscoe, Dillon, Doyle and Loughman.

3. A Draft Report brought in by the Chairman was read as follows:—

1. Pursuant to the Order of the Dáil of 24th April, 1947, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges has enquired into the circumstances surrounding the fracas which took place on that day between Deputies Coburn and Kennedy in the Lobby leading into the Dáil Chamber.

2. The Committee finds that the facts in this case were as follows:—

The exchange of words leading up to the encounter are on record, having taken place in debate in the Dáil (Vol. 105, Cols. 1357-8). Following the exchange both Deputies immediately left the House by the doors leading out to the top lobby where they proceeded to fight. After a short struggle they were separated, by several other Deputies and ushers who intervened, and that ended the affair.

3. The Committee finds that the issue of the challenge by Deputy Coburn and its acceptance by Deputy Kennedy was a breach of privilege on the part of both members.

This is the first occasion that the Committee has been directed to deal with a specific occurrence of this nature. To pursue a quarrel to the extent of resorting to personal violence in the precincts of the Dáil is reprehensible in the extreme and must be regarded as conduct in contempt of the House. The fact that an unseemly incident took place almost within view of the House while in session constitutes, in the Committee’s opinion, contempt of an aggravated nature.

4. The Committee has been informed by the Ceann Comhairle that both Deputies have communicated to him their desire to express to the Dáil their deep regret for their respective parts in the affair. In deciding what action to recommend to the Dáil the Committee has taken this into account as well as the fact that the incident occurred at a time when feelings ran high in the House and that it was completely unpremeditated by either of the participants. In all the circumstances the Committee recommends that the Dáil should accept the apologies of Deputies Coburn and Kennedy and regard the incident closed.

Draft Report agreed to unanimously.

Ordered, To report accordingly.

4. The Committee adjourned at 11.30 a.m.