Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told a meeting of centre-right parties from around the world that if Ireland is to build on recent stability, there must be growth in the eurozone.
He was speaking in Rome at a meeting of the Centrist Democrats International group which is affiliated with the European People's Party, of which Fine Gael is a member.
Earlier Mr Kenny met the Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.
Afterwards, he said that Mr Monti is very supportive of ensuring that Ireland's banking debt is restructured in line with a decision of EU leaders last June.
Mr Kenny said, however, that an October target date for achieving a banking debt deal was now unrealistic.
The two men also discussed Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the European Council next year and how to secure economic growth against a backdrop of stagnation and recession.
Mr Kenny also said he was looking forward to meeting Pope Benedict XVI tomorrow as part of a delegation of centre-right European parties.
However, he said he stood over criticism he made of the Catholic Church in the Dáil, saying it had brought about a new realism.
