The finance minister has confirmed that Ireland will have to remain subject to regular budget inspections for nearly two decades.
Michael Noonan says rules agreed by ministers last year will mean Ireland will have regular visits until it's repaid three-quarters of its EU bailout loans.
The so-called 'two pack' regulations require Ireland to make itself available to visiting inspectors from the Eurpoean Commission to watch our financial performance.
Under our current timetable Ireland won't have repaid three-quarters of its European loans until April 2032 - almost two decades from now.
The inspections will allow authorities in Brussels to propose possible changes to future Irish budgets, long after the bailout programme ends this December.
However, any proposal from the European Commission won't be binding on Ireland unless a majority of the other member states choose to force it upon us.
Greece and Portugal will also be subject to visits until they have repaid three-quarters of their loans.
