EU ministers to be told Ireland is against a Greek debt write-down

The Taoiseach and Finance Minister are set to tell their EU counterparts that Ireland is against an outright debt write-down for Greece.

According to the Sunday Business Post, Government officials are concerned that allowing debt forgiveness would "encourage extreme parties" across the EU.

The news comes ahead of the Eurozone Finance Ministers meeting on Wednesday - with EU Heads of Government due to meet on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a Greek economist - who supports the Syriza party's anti-austerity coalition is in Dublin today to call for Ireland to support a debt write-down.

Dr. Dimitros Sotiropoulos claims debt forgiveness would be a positive step for Europe.

"I'm very positive that the new government in Greece will be a small step forward - but a very critical step in order to start discussing political change all over Europe," he said.

Earlier this week, the Taoiseach ruled out Irish participation in a Debt Conference with Greece.

However Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams says his party is in favour of the idea:

"The Tánaiste said that it had merit - the Taoiseach, of course, rubbished it," Adams said.

"It's in Irish interests as well as interests of other states throughout the European Union - to have a conference to figure out how debt which cannot be sustained can be dealt with in a more equitable and fair way."