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Eamon Ryan has been accused of falling asleep at the Dail for the second time, but it is not true.
Full footage from last night’s Dail session debunks claims on social media that the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport fell asleep on camera for the second time in two months.
The Dublin Bay South TD was previously attacked after it fell asleep during a session at the Convention Center in July.
Still images and a short clip began circulating online yesterday afternoon that appeared to show the Green Party leader asleep once again during the Leaders’ Questions, Dublin Live reports.
The clip shows Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald raising a problem related to utility bills.
The camera then cuts to Minister Ryan, whose head is tilted downward and his eyes appear to be closed.
But the video circulating online cuts out before a general shot showing Minister Ryan staring at his cell phone while sitting two rows behind Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
The full footage is available to watch on Oireachtas TV.
Minister Ryan previously faced a huge backlash after Oireachtas cameras caught him appearing to have fallen asleep during a vote on a government amendment to a Social Democratic workers’ rights bill.
TDs can be heard casting their votes before the Dublin Bay South representative is called.
The camera then panned to Minister Ryan sitting in his seat with his eyes closed as his name was called again.
After some of his colleagues called out his name as well, Minister Ryan opens his eyes and looks surprised before casting his vote.
The minister later admitted that he “deeply regretted” falling asleep in the chamber.
He told RTE’s This Week Program: “I voted. I think I was one of the few party leaders who were there, but I am deeply sorry.
“It was a moment of human frailty, but that’s something I regret. You have to make sure you continue and actually make sure you learn from those mistakes and be vigilant at all times, and I will.”
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