The Dáil has backed plans to appeal the 13 billion euro Apple tax ruling.

TDs voted in favour of a government motion by 93 votes to 36 after a ten-hour debate.

They also voted down five opposition counter-motions which would have either cancelled or delayed an appeal.

During the debate, Social Protection minister Leo Varadkar compared opposition TDs to the snake in the Garden of Eden.

“The money will be collected and the Revenue Commissioners do have to collect it now but it can’t be spent and it has to be held until such a time as all litigation is complete. In some way the political left are acting like serpents in the Garden of Eden tempting Eve with what they know to be a promise they can’t keep, the fruit of a poison tree.”