Taoiseach to attend eurozone summit

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will join with other EU leaders in Brussels today for a major summit aimed at agreeing ways to avoid a repeat of the eurozone debt crisis.

All 27 leaders are expected to put on a show of unity at the meeting.

They are will review the findings of a task force set up to look at reforms designed to prevent debt building up, increase co-operation and set up a permanent aid mechanism for countries with debt difficulties.

It is hoped better regulation will prevent a repeat of the eurozone debt crisis, and in turn help protect against another global downturn.

Also up for discussion today will be proposals for a levy on financial institutions.

The European Council wants it introduced to ensure that banks contribute to the cost of crises.