Dáil debate on social welfare cuts disrupted

The Dáil was disrupted for nearly an hour this evening as party conflicts held up debate on the social welfare cuts in the Budget.

The Labour Party claimed the Ceann Comhairle broke procedures by not calling a vote on the order of the Social Welfare Bill.

There were repeated 'Points of Order' called as well as demands for a Quorum of TD's in the chamber.

The moves angered Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin who claimed it was just "childish antics" from the Labour Party.