The Taoiseach has said Ireland is continuing to deal with the train-wreck of the disastrous bailout of the banks.

Speaking at a conference on the future of the EU, Enda Kenny said the taxpayer cannot continue to be the lender of first resort when it comes to bailing out banks.

He told journalists that Finance Ministers will resume thier talks on a banking union on Wednesday.

Discussions will also focus on the priorities of the Irish Presidency, future European integration, as well as on the topics of enlargement, EU Development Policy and how the EU can deliver for its young citizens.

Mr. Kenny said one of the most important things to be agreed in recent years was the breaking of the link between sovereign debt and bank debt. And he said taxpayers cannot continue to bail out financial institutions.

Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee Chairman Dominic Hannigan is chairing proceedings. "This Monday and Tuesday, European parliamentarians meet in Dublin Castle to consider how the EU can be better equipped to deliver for all European citizens. Commencing our discussions, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD will update delegates on Ireland's presidency and what he sees as the challenges for Europe in the immediate and longer terms" he said.

The conference concludes the programme of eight meetings being hosted by the Houses of the Oireachtas during the 6 month EU Presidency.