Taoiseach to meet European Council president today

The President of the European Council is in Dublin today for talks with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Herman Van Rompuy will meet Mr Kenny this afternoon ahead of next week's EU Summit to discuss issues such as the economy, justice and migration.

It is likely Mr Kenny will use today's meeting as an opportunity to brief President Van Rompuy on the economic situation and the progress which has been made under the EU/IMF programme.

But the Taoiseach will also discuss Ireland’s long campaign for a cut in the interest rate on its bailout, a topic which is expected to top the agenda at next week's summit of EU leaders in Brussels.

Mr Kenny has called for French President Nicolas Sarkozy to stop blocking the reduction already given to Greece and Portugal.

European Council president Herman Van Rompuy will have lunch with Mr Kenny this afternoon in Government Buildings, and will also give a speech later on in Dublin Castle.

Mr Van Rompuy will also meet the President Mary McAleese at Aras an Uachtaráin and he will address the Institute of International and European Affairs.