The Supreme Court has refused to stop the government from ratifying the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty.

The Treaty which provides for a permanent bailout mechanism.

The challenge against it was brought by Independent TD Thomas Pringle.

The court has rejected his claim that the Treaty involves a transfer of sovereignty that makes it incompatible with the Constitution.

His lawyers had argued that ratification should be put back until points of law referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the lawfulness of the Treaty are determined.

Earlier this month the High Court also refused to block the government from ratifying the Treaty.