Refugee crisis: EU budget talks ‘will not dictate response’

Fears that the cost of taking in refugees will leave Ireland in breach of strict EU rules governing public spending have been downplayed.

Junior ‘finance minister Simon Harris said that while seeking relaxation of the EU’s budget rules because of the extraordinary circumstances, Ireland’s response to the refugee crisis would not be influenced by the outcome.

“This is not a major issue of concern for Ireland — we will see how it develops. The humanitarian aspect should be above any economic consideration,” he said.