Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The writer Samuel Johnson has observed that "once the forms of civility are violated", kindness and decency are challenged. In our schools, we have a policy of cineáltas - kindness or civility. I am thankful that there were very few students in the Public Gallery last week to witness what happened in this Chamber, a Chamber at the heart of our democracy. Last Tuesday, civility was replaced by chaos. There were appalling scenes of vitriol, screaming, shouting, uproar and pandemonium. This is not who we are as Irish people or as democrats. This is certainly not who we are or should be as parliamentarians.

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine; ba chóir go mbeadh comhoibriú, meas agus ómós do gach duine. That beautiful Irish phrase reminds us that we live in the shadows of one another, and as such, there should be a prevailing environment of co-operation, respect and honour for one another, and most especially, in this House. If there were a report card from last week, it would read that this House needs to do better and this House needs to be better. As Members who have the privilege of being elected to this House, we all sign up to the Houses of the Oireachtas dignity and respect policy. One of the core principles is that we must have positive, courteous working relationships with each other, respecting the value of our respective roles.

Deputy Verona Murphy, as Ceann Comhairle, is deserving of that respect for her constitutional role in this House. She is the first woman elected to the office of Ceann Comhairle, a landmark moment and an opportunity for us to showcase that no high office is beyond the reach of any woman. However, rather than being honoured, she has been hounded. As parliamentarians, we must do better. We have a choice about how we behave in this Chamber. We have a choice to opt for civility.

Everyone knows that we in Kerry love our football and we had a good day - actually, we had a great day - last Sunday in Croke Park.

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