Mr Terry Leyden (FF) was quickly cut short by the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Mr Rory Kiely, when he said he wished to express concern about the treatment of The Irish Times columnist, Mr John Waters.
Mr Leyden noted Mr Waters was from Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
Mr Kiely: "We cannot discuss that matter." Mr Leyden said The Irish Times criticised the Taoiseach periodically.
Mr Kiely: "We have no control over The Irish Times."
Mr Leyden: "Or you, a Cathaoirligh, me or the leader ..."
Mr Kiely: "Senator Leyden desist from speaking about that subject."
Mr Leyden said that if the leader of the House, Ms Mary O'Rourke, treated them in that fashion, they would all be gone.
"The Leader treats us with great respect and we can disagree with her. However, it seems that nobody can disagree with Geraldine Kennedy, the old lady of D'Olier Street, The Irish Times..." he added.
Later, Mr Leyden said he was happy to hear of the resolution of the difficulties between Mr Waters and The Irish Times.When the issue came up again, the leader of the House, Ms O'Rourke said: "But that's all settled." Mr Leyden quipped: "Oh, excellent. I am glad I played a role in that."