Heckling and laughter broke out in the Dáil on Wednesday triggered by comments made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Ms McDonald accused Mr Martin of “mansplaining” an issue to her.
During Leaders’ Questions, Labour leader Alan Kelly asked Mr Martin to give a commitment on keeping the lights on this winter as Ireland’s electricity supply is tight and power blackouts could happen.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke about the housing crisis during Leaders’ Questions but raised the issue of the demand and supply of electricity during questions on promised legislation.
She asked the Taoiseach whether he would introduce a "moratorium on more data centres until an impact assessment has been carried out?"
Supplier EirGrid has said the demand for electricity in Ireland keeps growing, primarily driven by data centres.
In response, Mr Martin took aim at Ms McDonald and said she was raising the issue now but didn't think it was a serious enough matter to raise earlier.
He said: “I think in fairness to Deputy [Alan] Kelly, he understands the seriousness of this issue.
“He raised it in leaders' questions.
“You didn't think it was that serious to raise it in Leaders Questions’.
“That’s the reality now Deputy and I just want to make the point through the Chair.”
TDs in the Dáil jeered in reaction to the Taoiseach’s comments.
While Ms McDonald said: “I see. Can I thank the Taoiseach for mansplaining the importance of a public policy issue to a mere woman like myself.
“You’re very good Micheál, go raibh maith agat.”
