Irish Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said today the Government could accept an aid package for the banks after talks in Dublin with the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
Speaking during a Dáil debate on the negotiations this morning, Mr Lenihan said the establishment of a fund would be a “very desirable outcome” but insisted no final decisions had been made. He said it was possible that the funds would be made available “but not drawn down”.
Mr Lenihan also denied claims the Government had been keeping the electorate in the dark over the extent of the negotiations.
Earlier, Central Bank governor Patrick Honohan said he expected the Government will have to accept a “very substantial” loan, amounting to tens of billions of euro.
Irish Times