Dáil set to debate IMF report next week

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has offered to allow a Dáil debate next week on the handling of Ireland's economy.

The opposition demanded time for a debate this morning following the IMF's scathing assessment of the Government's economic policies over the past few years.

The Dáil was suspended for five minutes by the Ceann Comhairle after opposition TDs repeatedly attacked Mr Lenihan for claiming the Government welcomed the report.

The minister later said there would be time for a debate on Friday week if the various party whips could agree on the matter.