Henry V. by charter in 1419 confirmed the policy of Henry IV.

However, Mr Cox's wife had spoken to a supervisor who confirmed the policy change.

A vote of two hundred ninety against six confirmed the policy of the Government and gave full expression to the wishes of the country.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton confirmed the policy change in separate speeches on Thursday, effectively framing their last budget before the general election.