Bailout for Greece ‘will not restrict budget’

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has ruled out any new bailout for Greece restricting what the Irish Government can offer in the next budget.

Coalition figures stressed last night that it was up to Greece on whether or not they wanted a third bailout programme, ahead of crunch talks today between EU leaders on its future in the eurozone.

Government sources said their preference is to examine restructuring Greece’s debt over a long period if Athens requests a third financial aid programme.