The Government tonight defeated an opposition motion censuring the Independent TD, Mr Thomas Gildea, by 77 votes to 73.
The Donegal TD had yesterday refused to make a personal statement to the Dáil and go further in his apology to the former minister for justice, Mrs Nora Owen, for allegations he made in the Dáil last week.
As a result of Mr Gildea’s refusal the debate on the motion of censure, tabled by the main Opposition parties, began last night.
In a stormy Dáil session opposition parties accused the Government of complicity in Mr Gildea comments.
However tonight the Government had an amended motion passed which noted Mr Gildea’s public apology over the allegations.
This may not be the end of the matter as it emerged today that the Ceann Comhairle has received a letter from the former chief executive of Cable Management Ireland, Mr Ray Doyle, who was implicated in the Donegal TD’s allegations.
Mr Doyle wrote that Mr Gildea’s apology to Mrs Owen was "of little comfort to me and to the many fine people who held responsibility in the board and management of Cable Management Ireland Ltd."
Because Mr Gildea’s comments were made under Dáil privilege, persons who feel they have been slandered cannot turn to the courts for redress.
If Mr Doyle chooses to pursue the matter with the Ceann Comhairle, then Mr Gildea may be instructed under Dáil rules to personally explain his comments to the house or to the Committee on Procedures and Privilege.
