Hayes: Fiscal Treaty 'not linked' to Irish bank debt

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said a deal on Ireland's bank debt will not take centre stage to suit former businessman Declan Ganley's agenda.

Mr Hayes made the comments after the former Libertas leader entered the Fiscal Treaty debate over the weekend, calling for a 'No' vote.

Mr Ganley said the Treaty does nothing to address Irish bank debt.

The Libertas founder, who lead the No vote in the first Lisbon Treaty, said the referendum was an insult to the intelligence of the people of Ireland.

Mr Ganley accused the Government of making empty threats about Ireland not being able to raise funds on the markets.

However, speaking in Dublin this morning, Minister Hayes said the two issues are not linked.

Mr Hayes said: "The Government is committed to working with our EU partners to make sure we get a deal on the bank debt.

"We have seperated these issues in relation to the upcoming referendum campaign and the issue of the promissory notes, but the idea that this issue is going to become centre stage over the next two and a half weeks to suit Mr Ganley's agenda is non-sensical."