Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has turned down a request from Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould to speak in the Dáil about his recent arrest regarding alleged financial irregularities at a Cork company which he used to work for.
In a letter to the Cork North Central TD, seen by RTÉ News, the Ceann Comhairle said: "I consider that it would be inappropriate and serve no useful purpose for you to make a personal statement on the matter."
She explained her decision by saying such a statement would take place "... in circumstances where none of the allegations that give rise to this request have been raised in the Dáil and should not in present circumstances be raised by any member".
"In addition, any attempt to raise this issue could interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation and thus potentially encroach upon the functions of the courts and the administration of justice," she added.
Ms Murphy said that while "... it is considered that the public interest would not be served by having this matter ventilated in the Dáil Chamber", she added: "My ruling in no way inhibits you from making any public statement on the matter in any other forum."
Mr Gould had first emailed the office of the Ceann Comhairle last Monday, and then indicated the following day that he wished to make a brief statement "on questions of public interest which have arisen following reports of an allegation made against me and carried across the media in the last number of days".
In her letter of reply, the Ceann Comhairle stated: "I understand that your solicitor has issued a comprehensive statement asserting your complete innocence and confirming that there is an ongoing garda investigation."
In a statement issued through his solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, Mr Gould said: "I requested to make a personal statement in the Dáil as I believe in accountability and honesty.
"I strongly reject the allegation that has been made against me. The Ceann Comhairle has declined my request. Therefore I cannot make a personal statement."
