Michael Noonan will today ask his EU counterparts to let Ireland repay its Troika loans ahead of schedule.

The Finance Minister will ask a meeting of EU finance ministers to amend the bailout deal so Ireland can repay some loans early.

Ireland wants to borrow more money at cheaper rates, and use that money to repay the more expensive IMF loans.

The Minister says getting a final deal will be easier said than done:

Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Jyrki Katainen, indicated that he was, in principle, very supportive of Irish plan to pursue measures that reduce the Irish debt burden and improve Irish debt sustainability, Mr Noonan said.