THE FINANCE BILL has passed second stage in the Dáil by 93 votes to 45.
The Bill forms the final part of the measures announced in the 2012 Budget last December, and also contains a number of other financial provisions.
Former Fine Gael TD Denis Naughten was the only TD outside of the two government parties to vote in favour of the Bill.
The Bill now goes to committee stage, where members will consider amendments put down by opposition sides.
Among the provisions of the Bill are new rates of mortgage interest relief for first time buyers, an increase in the threshold of the Universal Social Charge, increases to DIRT and an upper limit for retirement relief.
It also makes the Waterford Blaa a VAT-free item – and adds professional cricketers to the list of sportspersons who are allowed to claim tax relief on certain income.
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