Taoiseach In Brussels To Discuss Debt Crisis

The Taoiseach will travel to Brussels today for a one day meeting at the European Council to discuss the current debt crisis and job creation.

Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche will accompany Brian Cowen as the leaders of the 27 member states discuss ways to maintain budget discipline and economic policy co-ordination.

Delegates at the meeting, chaired by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council Members, are also expected to approve a new ten-year strategy for jobs and growth called 'Europe 2020'.

In a statement released today, Mr Cowen said discussions are likely to focus on measures incvolving financial and banking regulation, on economic coordination and on ensuring the financial stability of the euro area.

Mr Cowen added that the Heads of State and Government will also deal with a number of other issues including the Millennium Development Goals, Climate Change, Icelandic accession, Estonian adoption of the Euro and Iran.

New British Prime Minister David Cameron is also attending and is his first EU summit.

At a working lunch, EU leaders are expected to hear an interim report of the task force on economic governance.

Speaking today ahead of the conference, MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher also called for today's meeting to address the accession of Iceland into the EU.

Mr Gallagher said he would urge EU leaders to commence accession negotiations with financially troubled country.

"I am hopeful of a positive outcome and that Member States will not allow the Ice-save issue to delay the beginning of the process. In July 2009, Iceland presented its application for membership of the EU. In February this year, the European Commission responded by providing a favourable opinion on Iceland's application for membership.

Should the EU leaders provide the green light; the accession negotiations will undoubtedly be tough. However, I am confident that the other chapters will be dealt with in a positive manner by both sides."

(DW/BMcC)