The Taoiseach says he is confident a new European budget will be secured during the Irish European Union Presidency next year.

Talks between the 27 EU leaders to agree a 7-year package were suspended in Brussels last week without agreement.

Enda Kenny says there clearly are differences of opinion between the member states on the size of the proposed budget.

However speaking at a meeting of European Parliament leaders in Dublin Castle the Taoiseach says he expects a deal.

First event for Irish Presidency

The gathering in Dublin Castle was the first major event of the Irish Presidency of the EU to take place in Ireland. 

The government met the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and the chairpersons of the political groups of the Parliament.

Their 2-day visit - known as the Conference of Presidents - will include visits to the Oireachtas and to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin.

This visit of European Parliament leaders is seen an important feature of the pre-Presidency schedule of contacts. 

The Parliament leaders and the government led by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste will discuss the Irish Presidency priorities for its 6 months in office from January-June 2013. 

These priorities have been summarised as stability, jobs and growth.

The Council of the European Union, consisting of national governments of the Member States, will be chaired by Irish Ministers for the duration of this 6-month Presidency. 

The Taoiseach, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Mr. Schulz all spoke this evening.