The Ceann Comhairle has hit out at tardy TDs - after Dáil business was delayed because not enough deputies were present.

Today's business was due to start at 10:30 but didn't get underway until ten-past-eleven, as there were too few members in the chamber.

Dáil rules require a minimum of 20 TDs to be present before business can start - but for half an hour only 15 were present.

When business did finally get underway, the turnout was: Fianna Fail 10, Fine Gael 4, with one each from Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Anti-Austerity Alliance, the Independent Alliance and the Rural Alliance. The presence of the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, completed the necessary 20.

Before allowing business to commence Ó Fearghail was critical of the delay: