Ireland gets final IMF payout

The International Monetary Fund approved the 12th and last review of Ireland's progress under its three-year rescue program Friday, allowing a final $890 million in support of its financial rebuilding. "Owing to steadfast policy implementation by the authorities, the EU-IMF supported program has been completed successfully," the IMF said. "Ireland has pulled back from an exceptionally deep banking crisis, significantly improved its fiscal position, and regained its access to the international financial markets." The IMF took part with the European Commission, Denmark, Sweden and Britain in the 85-billion-euro ($117 billion) rescue of the country, which aimed to head off a deep balance of payments crisis as the country along with many others across Europe struggled in the economic downturn. "Ireland is now in a much stronger position than when its program began," said IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. "Yet Ireland still faces significant economic challenges. Unemployment is too high, public debt sustainability remains fragile and heavy private sector debts and banks' slow progress in resolving nonperforming loans weigh on domestic demand. "Continued concerted policy implementation is therefore necessary for Ireland to recover fully from the crisis." At the same time, Lagarde welcomed the government's decision to shun a successor program. "Ireland?s track record within its EU-IMF supported program bodes well for its success in tackling these remaining challenges," she added.