Senators clash on Finance Bill amendments

There have been some heated exchanges at a special sitting of the Seanad this afternoon.

There were high-tempered clashes between Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly and Labour's Alex White, about a proposed Labour amendment to the Bill.

Senator Daly has labelled the Labour Party amendment "pathetic".

Senators are meeting to finalise consideration of the Finance Bill, with business not expected to finish until later this evening.

The Seanad cannot change the Bill, but can make recommendations on it.

The Dáil would then have to meet later tonight to consider them.

Senators are putting forward recommendations to Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan who is also in attendance at today's sitting.