A number of Independent TDs called for the Dáil to be adjourned to debate the imprisonment of Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins, and his colleague Councillor Clare Daly, over the bin tax.
Mr Paudge Connolly (Ind, Cavan-Monaghan) criticised the "double standards obtaining, as regards former members of the Oireachtas who were able to flout the law to an extraordinary degree with impunity and were facilitated to the extent of organising holiday arrangements abroad".
Dr Liam Twomey (Ind, Wexford) asked for Higgins's immediate release so that he could put his position before the Dáil. Mr Tony Gregory (Ind, Dublin Central) said they were jailed for representing their constituents' opposition to the confrontational policy of Fingal County Council in refusing to collect the household refuse of thousands of taxpayers who are boycotting the bin tax and for campaigning to abolish "this double taxation".
Ms Marian Harkin (Ind, Sligo-Leitrim) criticised the "double standards" for certain members. The Taoiseach had requested the resignation from the Dáil of Deputy Higgins, she said, "while at the same time showing an unwillingness to apply the same standards to other Members of the House". The Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, ruled the requests for a debate, out of order.