The Finance Minister has revealed the Budget could be brought forward to October this year.

Michael Noonan told reporters in Brussels this morning that if fellow European Union Finance Ministers endorse the so-called "two-pack" financial governance measures, our Budget will be 2 months early.

It comes as no deal is expected to be finalised today on plans to extend the deadline for Ireland to repay its bailout loans.

Agreement in principal on bailout loans

Last night Eurozone Finance Ministers agreed in principle to extend the maturities on the portion of the bailout that came from Europe.

It was reached after lobbying by the Irish and Portuguese governments and it is expected to be discussed by the 27 EU Finance Ministers at a meeting later.

Michael Noonan has called the Ecofin meeting today "a very important one". He says if the "two-pack" financial governance measures are agreed on, it will mean an early Budget for Ireland.