Fine Gael TD Tom Barry says his actions in the Dail last night were disrespectful and inappropriate.
The Cork East deputy is apologising to his party colleague Aine Collins - for pulling her onto his lap during a vote on the abortion legislation.
In a statement he says she graciously and immediately accepted the apology - but he says there are no excuses as he just shouldn’t have done it. The footage of the incident has gone viral. and can be seen below.
The Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and the Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald say it was inappropriate:
