Coalition dismisses Hayes’s remarks

THE Government hasdistanced itself from remarks made by junior finance minister Brian Hayes linking a referendum on a new EU budget plan with the easing of Ireland’s debt burden.

The issue of getting a better deal in paying back the €85 billion bailout loan has “long been on the table” and was under discussion before the prospect of treaty change was raised, according to a Government spokesman.

He said Mr Hayes was speaking for himself when he claimed at the weekend that a yes vote would be easier if the EU authorities cut Ireland a better deal on repaying the bailout loan.