Kenny and Barroso to meet on debt crisis

The Taoiseach is to hold a special meeting with the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday to discuss the Eurozone debt crisis.

It comes after the government said it would oppose any efforts by EU leaders to change the Lisbon treaty - a move which would trigger another referendum in Ireland.

Europe's leaders have set a deadline of the end of this month to find a solution to the spiraling debt crisis in the Eurozone.

They have postponed their summit by a week to ensure there's enough time to come up with a comprehensive plan.

This evening a spokesman for the Taoiseach said Enda Kenny had been invited to a special meeting in Brussels on Thrusday with EU president Jose Manuel Barroso ahead of the summit.

The two will discuss preparations for the crucial meeting.

Ireland is already voicing concern over soundings coming from Germany's Angela Merkel - who says part of the solution to the crisis will involve changes to the Lisbon Treaty.

Ms Merkel wants Europe to have more oversight over member states finances but the Taoiseach is concerned that changes to the treaty would require another referendum. The Government has said it will oppose such a move.