http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjaxVJ5R_W0

THERE WAS SOMETHING in the air in the Dáil chamber this afternoon as TDs debated a bill to establish a new DNA database.

It wasn’t exactly riveting stuff but proceedings got pretty lively when a fly interrupted TDs speaking.

First Fianna Fáil’s Niall Collins was bothered, noting it was the same fly that earlier distracted Justice Minister Alan Shatter during his speech on the bill. (But how did he know it was the same fly!?)

That led Sinn Féin’s Padraig MacLochlainn to joke that it was a “Sinn Féin fly” but alas he too was bothered by the buzzing creature when he got up to speak.

Video: Rabbitte admits Dáil speech on sinkholes is sending him to sleep

‘You were in bed with the banks!’: The Dáil has had its first row of the new term

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

'A fan of oratory': Fly interrupts Dáil debate on DNA database

Video: Rabbitte admits Dáil speech on sinkholes is sending him to sleep

‘You were in bed with the banks!’: The Dáil has had its first row of the new term

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.