Lowry and Healy Rae set to help budget pass

After ‘intensive discussions,’ the government is set to finalise a deal with Independent TDs Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry today, in order to pass Tuesday’s budget.

With the government majority painfully thin, Healy Rae and Lowry could prove crucial to the budget’s passing.

Fine Gael’s Lucinda Creighton has stated that she will not vote, however, so as long as Healy Rae and Lowry don't vote against it and no Fianna Failers defy the party whip, it should just about pass.

The details of the budget have been decided upon and it will be published tonight and presented to the Dáil tomorrow.

Brian Lenihan is attempting to make an adjustment of €6 billion.