A Fine Gael TD has admitted copying part of a Labour deputy's speech in the Dáil.
New TD Terence Flanagan said he should have credited Labour Deputy Leader Joan Burton during comments he made in the Dail earlier this month on the second stage of the Finance Bill.
In a statement released this evening, Mr Flanagan said: "During a 1,500 word speech over 10 minutes on the second stage of the Finance Bill I drew on some elements of Deputy Burton's speech from the previous evening.
"I should have acknowledged that at the time and regret not doing so. As a new deputy I hope I haven't caused any offence and will certainly learn from this experience."
Mr Flanagan was elected to the Dáil in the last gerneral election in May. He was appointed Fine Gael spokesman on housing in October.
