Ireland to be crippled by €10bn a year interest

THE country is facing crippling interest payments of €10 billion a year after the European Union and IMF agreed to an €85bn rescue package to fund the economy for the next three years.

The bulk of the money, €50bn, will be used to pay for the day-to-day running of the country.

The banks will receive €8bn immediately to restore their cash reserves; €2bn will be on standby and a further €25bn will be available if and when they need it.