Cameron: UK banks 'connected to Irish banks'

The Irish Prime Minister, Brian Cowen, has insisted the country's economy remains strong and sustainable despite its debt problems.

The taoiseach said the main focus in talks with officials from the International Monetary Fund and the EU in Dublin was the banking situation.

The Governor of Ireland's Central Bank says he expects the government will accept international loans of tens of billions of euros.

Questioned by the Commons liaison committee about a rescue package for the Republic, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, stressed the close relationship between Dublin and London.