This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/business-13091873

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Irish Republic's economic progress gets EU approval Irish Republic's economic progress gets EU approval
(40 minutes later)
The Republic of Ireland's progress on deficit reduction has been approved by the European authorities - a condition of last year's bail-out.The Republic of Ireland's progress on deficit reduction has been approved by the European authorities - a condition of last year's bail-out.
They have looked at the Republic's performance throughout the first three months of the year and have given it their seal of approval. They have looked at the Republic's performance throughout the first three months of the year and have said that it has met its targets.
The country's finance minister, Michael Noonan, told a news conference that the bodies had been "very complimentary". The country's Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, told a news conference that the bodies had been "very complimentary".
Earlier its credit rating was cut again on concern over its financial strength.Earlier its credit rating was cut again on concern over its financial strength.
The credit rating agency Moody's marked the country down two notches on the scale to a status just one notch from "junk".The credit rating agency Moody's marked the country down two notches on the scale to a status just one notch from "junk".
Such a move typically means that the government will have to pay more to borrowing money.Such a move typically means that the government will have to pay more to borrowing money.
The European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave 85bn euros (£70bn, $113bn) in support for the country when it could no longer cope with its debts, largely the result of support for its over-stretched banking sector.The European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave 85bn euros (£70bn, $113bn) in support for the country when it could no longer cope with its debts, largely the result of support for its over-stretched banking sector.
ToughTough
The bail-out came with strict conditions, which the newly elected government said were too tough to meet.
Mr Noonan said the authorities behind the bail-out, the EU, the IMF and the European Central Bank, had agreed to certain changes, including the reversal of a cut in the minimum wage.Mr Noonan said the authorities behind the bail-out, the EU, the IMF and the European Central Bank, had agreed to certain changes, including the reversal of a cut in the minimum wage.
The bail-out came with strict conditions, including an interest rate which the newly elected government said was too high and pledged to get it reduced.
Mr Noonan said "significant progress" had been made on the matter at last week's meeting in Hungary.
He said he would take up the matter again at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers next month.
The final review documents would be made public once final approval had been given on May 15-16, Mr Noonan said.
Moody's cut the Republic's credit score on Friday to Baa3 - one level above junk-bond status - saying it could struggle to cut its budget deficit because of weaker-than-expected economic growth.Moody's cut the Republic's credit score on Friday to Baa3 - one level above junk-bond status - saying it could struggle to cut its budget deficit because of weaker-than-expected economic growth.
It stands alone though among the three leading ratings agencies. On Thursday Fitch ratings upgraded its outlook, while Standard and Poor's gives the Republic the same grade as Fitch.It stands alone though among the three leading ratings agencies. On Thursday Fitch ratings upgraded its outlook, while Standard and Poor's gives the Republic the same grade as Fitch.
It has a target to cut the gap between government income and spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2015.It has a target to cut the gap between government income and spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2015.
The Republic's 2010 deficit hit a European record of 32% after it bailed out its crippled banks.The Republic's 2010 deficit hit a European record of 32% after it bailed out its crippled banks.