Tánaiste reaches agreement with EU leaders on budget

The Tánaiste has reached agreement with EU leaders on the €960bn budget for the next seven years, following more than 24 hours of intensive negotiations.

Speaking from Brussels, Eamon Gilmore, said that talks have concluded with the European Parliament's Chief Negotiator and the new deal will be presented to EU member states next Tuesday.

The agreement follows ten rounds of intensive negotiations.

It also allows for greater transparency, some flexibility and a review of spending in 2016 if needed.

Reaching this deal on the next budget has been a top priority for the Irish Presidency, which finishes at the end of the month.