Budget 2011, one of the toughest on record with ?6bn in tax hikes and spending cuts, was passed in the D?il last night with a comfortable majority for the Government.
The budget was passed after vote of 82 to 77 in favour of the financial measures.
Independents Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae both voted with the Government, as did former Fianna F?il TD Joe Behan.
The vote was the first major hurdle for the budget but necessary legislation to push through some of its measures must now be passed in the D?il. First up today is the Social Welfare Bill.
Last night, the IMF welcomed the approval of the budget.
It said, ?This is a clear sign of Ireland?s strong commitment to tackle its problems and harness the impressive growth potential of this open and dynamic economy.?
A meeting has now been scheduled for Friday with managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn ready to return from Washington to chair. It is understood the Fund will consider its ?22.5bn loan to Ireland at the meeting
Taken from http://www.businessandleadership.com/economy/item/27184-budget-passes-through-dail/
