Dáil Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy warned Taoiseach Micheál Martin to "stop behaving like a child" amid repeated interruptions of TDs in the chamber.
Ms Murphy criticised the Taoiseach for speaking over both Labour TD Alan Kelly and Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney during the order of business session of the Dáil today.
As Mr Kelly sought to raise claims some garda recruits are entering the Templemore garda training college "without being vetted", the Taoiseach was involved in an exchange of words with a number of Sinn Féin TDs.
Moments later, a second exchange between Mr Kelly and the Taoiseach occurred, which this time delayed a Dáil contribution from Ms Gibney.
Ms Murphy again told the Taoiseach to "resume your seat" before telling him to "have some respect for your colleagues whose time you're taking up" and to "please stop acting like a child".
As the row continued to interrupt the planned Dáil contributions, the Ceann Comhairle interjected again, saying "this back and forth" had to stop.
When it did not stop, a now visibly angry Ceann Comhairle told the Taoiseach that "when I hit the bell your time is up" - adding: "What we seem to have this morning is a playground."
