Government denies reports of bailout discussions with EU

The Department of Finance is today rejecting claims that Ireland is already in talks with Europe to access the bailout fund.

Yesterday another report, also claiming the country was about to access the European fund, was denied by the Taoiseach.

The report by the Reuters news agency claimed Ireland was already in talks with the European Union about how to apply for emergency funding.

The Taoiseach quickly rejected the claim, saying there had been no application whatever.

Today the BBC is carrying reports on its bulletins that Ireland is in early talks to get €60bn-€80bn from the European Financial Stability Fund.

But a spokesman for Finance Minister Brian Lenihan says no talks, preliminary or otherwise are taking place, adding the country is funded up to the middle of next year.

Earlier today the head of the IMF, Dominique Strauss Kahn, said that Ireland can manage well.