The start of a Dáil debate on legislation regarding IBRC was delayed for 40 minutes this morning when not enough TDs were present in the chamber.

A quorum of 20 TDs is required to commence business. Opposition TDs said there were not enough Government TDs present to begin.

RTÉ News understands that the Clerk of the Dáil was going to "collapse" the sitting if 20 TDs had not shown up in the Dáil chamber by 11.15am.

Dáil delay: Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl calls it an "unprecedented event"https://t.co/NhO9uQrrbp — RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 8, 2016

Before business eventually got under way, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: "We have had a pretty unprecedented event this morning given the failure to present a quorum at the appropriate time.

"I think some people need to be aware of the responsibilities they have in order to be here in the chamber when legislation is to be discussed and debated."

He continued: "And I would say to those who look for more time to discuss legislation to be conscious of the fact that when the time is provided there is a responsibility to be present.

"But there is a particular responsibility on those who have the formal responsibility of ensuring attendance that they see that attendance actually happens."

Labour's Joan Burton called on Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty to come into the House and apologise for the delay in starting Dáil business.

"I think what happened this morning was really regrettable and I think the Chief Whip of the Government, or the Assistant Chief Whip, should come into the house and apologise for what happened.

"In fairness to Fianna Fáil they were here in very significant numbers, others were here as well.

"I do think that an apology is due.

"One of the most abused words in recent times has been 'new politics' and this morning was an absolute example of new politics at its worst where it is all about show and not about content", she said.

She laid blame at the door of the Government: "If deputies belonging to the Government party of which I only saw three when I was here for 20 minutes, if they have a problem with coming here at 10.30 on a Friday morning, we should have been able to arrange a postponement for half an hour or so."

The Commission of Investigation (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) Bill 2016 is being brought in as an attempt to resolve the difficulties facing the Commission of Investigation looking into IBRC, which was set up last year.