Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has referred a complaint made by the chief executive of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave, regarding remarks made in the Dáil by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, to a Dáil committee.
In a letter published on Twitter last week, Mr Cosgrave contended his reputation has been "adversely affected" by the Tánaiste's remarks.
Mr Martin was speaking in defence of Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins when criticising news website The Ditch, claiming it was "not an independent media platform".
In his letter, which was sent to the Clerk of the Dáil, Mr Cosgrave cited Dáil Standing Order 71, which allows a person who feels they have been negatively impacted by a comment in the Dáil chamber to make a submission.
Mr Cosgrave argued: "It can be reasonably inferred from the words used that he [Tánaiste] was suggesting that I am backing and/or funding a media and/or political organisation that is co-funded and/or backed by the Russian government."
He added: "For the avoidance of doubt, all of the above claims and/or suggestions made by Deputy Martin are entirely false."
In a statement last week, the Oireachtas said when the Clerk of the Dáil receives such a letter, he "furnishes that submission to the Ceann Comhairle".
Today, the Ceann Comhairle's office confirmed that he had referred the matter to the Committee on Parliamentary Procedures and Oversight for consideration.
Speaking previously on RTÉ's This Week programme, The Ditch editor Eoghan McNeill confirmed that Web Summit will provide €1m in support to the news website over the next five years.
