The Labour Party deputy leader has sharply criticised The Irish Times over comments by columnist Kevin Myers about the welfare system and unmarried mothers.
Ms Liz McManus said a "large cohort of children was subject to a most scurrilous and abusive attack. The most surprising aspect of this attack was that it took place in a national newspaper of good repute".
The Wicklow TD asked if the Taoiseach shared "my concern, and that of all Members of this House, that such abuse is levelled at children who cannot defend themselves".
When the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, intervened to say that "the deputy must find another way of raising this matter", Ms McManus asked would the Taoiseach "ensure that under promised legislation, whether by way of the defamation Bill or the promised press council, or by revisiting the incitement to hatred legislation, we protect children from this kind of attack". Mr Ahern replied that "the defamation Bill is scheduled for later this year".
