Gilmore: Any referendum on treaty change separate to bailout deal talks

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said that the renegotiation of Ireland's EU/IMF bailout deal needs to be kept separate from any referendum on changes to the EU Treaty.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes said over the weekend that Ireland could use a referendum as an opportunity to get a better bailout deal.

But the Tánaiste said the two things need to be kept separate, and the decision on whether or not Ireland will hold a referendum will be a factual one based on whether or not the constitution requires it.

"We need to keep the two separate," Mr Gilmore said.

"We need, in any event, to reduce the burden on the taxpayer - referendum or no referendum, international agreement or no international agreement."

However Minister Hayes has reiterated his position, insisting Ireland has to "get the best possible deal" in relation to our bailout.

"The key is investor confidence in Ireland," Minister Hayes said.

"We are going to pay back our debts, but we need help, and the kind of help we are looking for is part and parcel of the ongoing negotiations we have."