Canada involved in Ireland debt talks

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says Canada has been involved in efforts to resolve the Irish government's debt crisis.

The finance minister said Canada has been concerned for some time about certain European banking situations, particularly in Ireland.

Flaherty said he and other Canadian representatives have been involved with discussions about Ireland's debt problems at the International Monetary Fund.

He said there's been progress towards orderly resolution, adding that's important so there isn't disruption to the global financial system.

Flaherty made the comments to reporters in Toronto as he began the annual consultation process ahead of the next federal budget.