Howlin: we sometimes had doubts we'd make it

Public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin has admitted there were times he didn't think Ireland would make it out of the bailout.

The minister said the turmoil in the Eurozone has occasionally threatened to scupper Ireland's chance to rebuild its economy.

"There were many who believed that we would never reach today, and in truth, there have been times along the journey we had doubts ourselves.

"Some of the challenges became even greater because of the external challenges that came in the Eurozone area over the last number of years."

The Government is holding a series of press events today, saying goodbye to the Troika, as the three-year bailout deal expires this Sunday.