Ireland slipped one place to 13th among countries with the best reputation, although its overall score improved on 2013.

An agreement sealed by leaders of the G8 nations can “rewrite the rules” on tax and transparency to benefit countries across the world, according to British prime minister David Cameron.

Chancellor Gordon Brown said today that he would press fellow Group of Eight countries to boost funding for education in developing nations at their summit next month.

Irish charity Trocaire has expressed disappointment at what it has described as the 'meagre gesture' by the G8 countries on debt relief for third world countries.