Taoiseach: Level of debt imposed by EU on Irish people 'unfair'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the level of debt imposed on the Irish people was unfair.

He has called on EU Finance Ministers to agree a deal to extend the terms of Ireland's EU banking loans.

In an interview on CNBC, Mr Kenny urged EU leaders to keep the promise they made last June to break the cycle between sovereign and banking debt.

EU Finance Ministers meet on Monday where it is hoped progress may be made on the issue.

Mr Kenny said an agreement would help Ireland's recovery.

The Taoiseach said: "The extension that was given to Greece is the subject of a motion that was put forward by the Portuguese, along with Ireland, and there is a working group considering that at the moment.

"I can't prejudice the outcome of where that would be, but it would be another step in the right direction were that to be approved, but it is too early to say that yet."