Finance Minister Michael Noonan has revealed that his eurozone counterparts are to consider whether to extend the repayment schedule of the loans Ireland got from the EFSF.

In a statement after yesterday's Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Michael Noonan said while there was no final decision on the move, there had been no objection to it at the talks.

Officials will now get to work on the technical details and report back shortly.

If it gets the green light, the plan could save the country billions of euro in the cost of our bailout programme.

Enda Kenny took to the stage of the European Parliament in Strasbourg last week and was keen to use Ireland's unique position as a platform as EU President to put its bailout commitments in order.

European Correspondent with the Irish Examiner Ann Cahill is in Brussels and spoke to Mr Noonan lst night:

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