Senator Maria Byrne made the comments during a Seanad Éireann debate

LIMERICK Senator Maria Byrne has declared she is not a Russian spy.

The Fine Gael politician made the comments during a Seanad Éireann debate yesterday.

Clare Senator Timmy Dooley raised the matter, saying some rumours had been circulating that members have been involved with Russia and that there "may or may not be a spy in our midst."

He declared that he is not a spy and hoped that everybody would use the opportunity to declare they are not a Russian spy.

"In order to avoid any potential stain on this House I suggest that member would voluntarily make a statement that they are not the subject of any investigation or that they have never been in the clutches of Russia."

Wexford Senator Malcolm Byrne also declared he isn't a Russian spy and said he had no doubt that Senator Dooley isn't a spy either. "He and Deputy Cathal Crowe are spending so much time keeping an eye on each other."