Ireland could get an extra 7 years to repay loans

April 10, 2013April 10, 2013833 Views

Ireland should be given, on average, an additional seven years to repay its bailout loans, according to a draft paper from the European Commission, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Reuters has reported that the recommendation is contained in a Troika document which will be considered by EU Finance Ministers at an informal meeting in Dublin this weekend.

By extending the repayment schedule, payments would be spread over a longer time, which would give the markets the confidence to lend to Ireland at lower rates.

As Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the European Council, EU Finance Ministers will gather in Dublin this weekend for an informal meeting to consider issues such as the fall-out from the traumatic bailout for Cyprus and a possible aid programme for Slovenia.

According to Reuters, the Ministers will also consider a Troika plan under which Ireland would secure extra time to repay bailout loans, so as to improve the chances of easing the country out of the EU-IMF programme and back into normal borrowing from the money markets.

This idea was first considered by EU Finance Ministers in January, following a joint proposal from Ireland and Portugal. In March, Ministers decided to ask the Troika to come-up with a paper which would focus on the ‘best possible option’ for both countries.

Now Reuters has reported that the Troika document, to be considered by EU Ministers this weekend, will propose extending the maximum average maturities on the bailout loans by seven years.

As this weekend’s meeting is informal, no decisions will be taken. However, Finance Minister Michael Noonan will be able to gauge what support there is for the measure and if further concessions can be secured. RTE News.