Kenny plays down Rehn comments

Enda Kenny has played down comments by EU Commissioner Olli Rehn that he (Mr Rehn) expected a reduction in the interest rate on the EU/IMF bailout to be agreed "shortly".

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, the Taoiseach said nothing was agreed until EU finance ministers signed off on the proposal.

"This matter has not been finalised as yet," he said.

"There have been some expectations of this for some time…I'm always one to wait and see what happens. Obviously we are negotiating in respect of an interest-rate reduction."