Enda Kenny has made the comments in a video posted online this morning ahead of his visit to Berlin and meeting with Chancellor Merkel later.

Mr. Kenny says he will not be negotiating a debt deal today but will use the time on the international stage to again highlight the sacrifices of the Irish people.

The pair are expected to also discuss the upcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union.

Launch of The Gathering

While in Berlin the Taoiseach will also formally launch “The Gathering” in Germany.

At an event in the Irish Embassy he will speak to tourism journalists and members of the Irish community about the plans for this year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings which aim to bring an additional 325,000 extra overseas visitors to Ireland.

The government says Germany is an extremely important trade and investment partner for Ireland and the Taoiseach intends to meet with a number of Irish and German companies with a view to further enhancing this relationship.

As Mr. Kenny outlines progress in relation to the Irish financial programme, bilateral relations between the 2 countries and European developments including challenges in the Eurozone are also on the agenda.