Finance Minister Michael Noonan continues his visit to Brussels today at an Ecofin meeting with his European counterparts.

THE EU will sign the loan agreement with Ireland before Christmas and be ready to raise the bailout money in the new year, the head of the European Financial Stability Fund announced following last night’s eurozone finance ministers meeting in Brussels.

“A GOOD start, but more to do” was the response from Brussels on the Government’s four-year programme.

Ireland's MEPS will today meet the European Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn in Strasbourg.

THE Government will not be forced to increase the corporation tax rate as part of the deal for funds to bailout the banks, German and EU sources have confirmed.

THE country’s entire banking sector and the Government’s budget plans will be scrutinised by officials from the EU and the IMF when they arrive in Dublin this morning on what will be a historic day for the country.

Interest charges for Irish debt have stabilised this morning, following a worrying day on the markets yesterday.