With the abortion debates having run long into the night, one of the concerns raised by commentators was whether or not TDs should be allowed re-enter the Dáil chambers after having had a drink in the Dáil bar.

John Crown, senator and consultant oncologist at St. Vincent's, talked to Lunchtime about the matter:

John says "I have no problem with there being a Dáil bar, I have no problem with people having a drink. However, I believe we should have a policy of zero tolerance for any blood alcohol in the chamber. People who.... [have to] vote should not have anything to drink until the business of the day is over".

Here's what Ireland's new minister for EU Affairs Paschal Donohoe told Newstalk Lunchtime:

We also got the view of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams:

TD Tom Barry, meanwhile, has admitted he had been drinking in the bar before a much-reported incident where he pulled a female TD onto his lap. Barry told the Irish Independent "I went into the Dail bar but I wasn't drinking excessively. There was nothing pre-meditated, it was stupid, it was disrespectful".

What do you think about the Dáil bar? Should it be closed when there is important business being conducted to ensure the judgement of participants is not impaired? Is John Crown's 'zero tolerance' idea a practical one? Is there any harm in a TD having a single drink during a long, gruelling day (and night) of debate? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.