German Ambassador: Ireland facing its problems

The German Ambassador to Ireland has said Ireland has faced up to its economic challenges.

Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier said we had tackled the fundamental problems that caused the crisis in the first place.

"This country has launched a reform process, has dealt with its own problems in the fiscal sphere (and) when it comes to the banks," he said.

"This country was in economic trouble, and still is to some extent, but it is facing up to these challenges."