Ceann Comhairle says he intends to complete his term in office

In response to speculation suggesting he may step down, Ceann Comhairle Séan Barrett has confirmed he intends to complete his term in office.

Press reports claimed the Labour Party was preparing to propose one of its TDs for the position if Mr Barrett decided to step down.

An Oireacthas statement released has said the Ceann Comhairle intended “to complete his term in office and so does not intend departing his post before the end of the current Dáil”.

The statement added: “Amongst a number of priorities, the Ceann Comhairle has work he wishes to complete in his wider role as chairman of the Oireachtas Commission.”