Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald today raised the recent controversy surrounding the falsification of votes, or ‘vote gate’ as it has become known.

Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, Teachta McDonald said:

“This controversy has struck at the very integrity of the Dáil. Questions remain unanswered and the seriousness of this revelation cannot be overstated.

“I welcome the announcement by the Ceann Comhairle that an investigation is to take place into the events of Thursday last involving Fianna Fáil TDs Timmy Dooley and Niall Collins.

“However it must also be established whether this is an isolated event or if it is part of a pattern of behaviour by that party.

“TDs are elected to take decisions, to legislate.

“These decisions impact people’s lives and this controversy brings to mind recent votes in respect of respite care, home help, crisis rents – real issues affecting real people that should not be brushed aside by TDs who feel they have better things to do with their time.

“There cannot be one set of standards for ordinary working people and another for Fianna Fáil TDs. Outside of the Leinster House bubble, the real world looks on gobsmacked at this behaviour – people deserve answers.

“Beyond any investigation we must also deal with the consequences of this behaviour and establish definitively how widespread this behaviour has been.”