Gilmore 'confident' of deal on bank debt
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said he is confident a final deal can be reached on Ireland's bank debt by October.
Mr Gilmore was speaking after eurozone finance ministers agreed the deadline for a deal at a meeting in Brussels last night.
The meeting also saw ministers reach a decision on providing assistance to Spanish banks.
The Tánaiste said a lot of negotiations have to take place between now and October - but he is encouraged by the development.
"I don't think it's linked to the Budget," he said.
"This has more to do with the European timetable on these issues than it has with our domestic timetable.
"I think what is probably more important than the timetable itself is the outcome," he added.
"The Government will be engaging in these discussions to ensure the maximum benefit for the Irish taxpayer."
