Businessman Denis O’Brien has defended his decision to take legal action over statements made in the Dáil by TDs Catherine Murphy and Pearse Doherty.

In a statement, Mr O’Brien said he took the decision as he felt the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges "failed to properly investigate complaints about abuse of Dáil privilege" made in relation to Ms Murphy and Mr Doherty.

Mr O’Brien claimed the abuse of privilege "resulted in the compromising of Orders handed down by the High Court."

He also said he respected Dáil privilege “as long as it is not exploited” in order to damage the reputation of an individual.