Debt deal welcome but deficit remains

It is easy to argue that more needs to be done to help Ireland, if we are to exit the bailout programme successfully and, just as important, stay out of it.

It is easy to argue that more needs to be done to help Ireland, if we are to exit the bailout programme successfully and, just as important, stay out of it. The decision by EU finance ministers to extend our bailout loan repayment period is welcome and is another step in the right direction.

However, more is needed to alleviate the debt burden. And we also need to get better at helping ourselves.