Cowen: Govt in talks with EU about banking system

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has told the Dáil that the Government is in talks with the EU about Ireland's banking system, but he said the issues being discussed are not specific to Ireland.

It comes after much speculation again today that Ireland is about to be bailed out by Europe.

EU Finance Ministers are meeting this evening in Brussels as the European Commission confirms Ireland is in talks with the IMF, the European Central Bank and the EU about a bailout for Irish banks.

Speaking in the Dáil, Brian Cowen said: "Talks will be ongoing in the coming days and weeks".

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has accused the Taoiseach of betraying the people of Ireland.