The Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, warned the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, he was "sailing very close to the wind" during heated exchanges.

Yesterday, Mr Rabbitte criticised the absence of Cabinet members during the Order of Business. "This is not a good practice and the Taoiseach ought to require the Cabinet to have some respect for this House. Neither backbenchers nor the Cabinet now attend the chamber, which is particularly regrettable. It is incumbent on the Taoiseach to deal with it." Dr O'Hanlon insisted the issue did not arise under standing orders.

Later, Mr Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach to make time next week for an adjournment debate before the House rises for Christmas. Mr Ahern said the House was trying to pass a number of Bills. "Next week's schedule is packed with legislation, but if time can be found, we can do what he suggests. However, I do not think we can." When Mr Rabbitte pursued the issue, he was told by Dr O'Hanlon that, under standing orders, he could only speak once to oppose the Order of Business.

Mr Rabbitte remarked: "A Cheann Comhairle, you are completely unreasonable." When Dr O'Hanlon challenged him to withdraw the remark, Mr Rabbitte said: "Are you for real, a Cheann Comhairle?" Dr O'Hanlon continued to insist Mr Rabbitte withdraw the remark. Mr Rabbitte said he would "but I regret very much the way in which you conduct the business of the House, which is unfair". Dr O'Hanlon replied: "The deputy is sailing very close to the wind in making remarks about the Chair. The Chair has been fair to everybody and is applying standing orders as they are presented."