Finance Bill to be amended, but passing still in doubt

TDs were gathering in the Dáil this afternoon to begin debating the Finance Bill, the aim being to expedite the passing of the legislation and go to the country.

However support for the bill was thrown into doubt as Independents Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy Rae threatened to oppose it.

The Government said it was amending the Bill to reduce the new Universal Social Charge for medical card holders.

It will be paid for by imposing a new 3% surcharge on self-employed people who earn more than €100,000.

However Deputies Lowry and Healy Rae say the changes don't go far enough

Green Party leader John Gormley has called on the Opposition to abstain from the vote to ensure the Bill’s safe passage through the Dáil.

He said it is inconsistent to allow a Dáil debate on the bill while at the same time pledging to vote against it.

Addressing the house for the last Order of Business of the 30th Dáil, the Taoiseach meanwhile said he "hopes" there's enough support to pass the legislation.

Brian Cowen said the Dáil needs to send the right signal to our international partners, and indicated that the house would sit on Saturday night, if required, to deal with any possible amendments coming from the Seanad.