Taoiseach to travel to Brussels as ministers face Budget backlash

Taoiseach is travelling to Brussels later today for a meeting of the European Council - the first one since the Lisbon Treaty came into force earlier this month.

Brian Cowen will be accompanied by Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche.

The rest of the Cabinet are expected to face a significant backlash from unions and various interest groups following the widespread cuts imposed in yesterday's Budget.

The new President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy is also attending the meeting which will be chaired by the Swedish Prime Minister.

The current economic, financial and employment situation, including the prospects for economic recovery and new arrangements for financial supervision in the EU will be discussed.