To deprive Irish citizens of our right to free speech, under the threat of criminalisation, is not a feature of a democratic or open society.

Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the issue in the Seanad yesterday.

Senator Robbie Gallagher described the plight of staff at the hotel as "horrible".

'I hope to do the job to the best of my ability'

'Seanad Eireann is an important cog in the wheel of democracy in the Republic of Ireland'