Govt defeats motion on Christmas social welfare bonus

The Government has successfully voted down a Labour Party motion calling for the reversal of the decision to abolish the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients.

Labour had called on government backbenchers and independent TDs who support the coalition to break ranks and vote in favour of the motion.

However, the call was ignored and the motion was defeated by 70 votes to 67.

Speaking during the debate on the matter, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore accused the Green Party of being more interested in remaining a part of the Government than in protecting the most vulnerable people in society.