FF's Ardagh apologises for absence during special speaking slot

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has apologised after she failed to turn to ask a question in the specially-created speaking slot for government backbenchers and the Independent TDs supporting the coalition.

The TD was attending the first meeting of the new Public Accounts Committee this morning and did not have phone coverage in the basement rooms of Leinster House.

"I was fully engaged with listening to the C&AG," she said.

The Dublin South Central TD said it was unusual for her to miss any chance to ask a question in the Dáil and she put it down to human error.

The issue of speaking rights for a number of Independent TDs and backbenchers convulsed the Dáil from January to April and it delayed the nomination of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach.

It also paused the setting of Oireachtas committees for several months.

Reacting in the Dáil chamber to Ms Ardagh's absence after her name was called by Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said it was "so embarrassing" for the Government.

"You did all this for Lowry and now your back benchers don't even turn up... so much for back benchers wanting time in Leaders' Questions," he said.