Anger as bank bonuses left out

THE release of the Finance Bill was overshadowed yesterday by no mention of changes to bankers’ bonuses, which the Government pledged would be addressed in last month’s budget.

Opposition TDs rounded on the Government and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan after the 223-page document failed to mention bank bonuses.

The minister’s department stated that the proposed 90% tax on bonuses would be addressed at a later stage when the bill is debated — at least two weeks away. Introducing legislation on the contested matter will come close to days before the general election and may end up being a matter for the next government.