An Irish government minister says he expects an agreement Sunday with International Monetary Fund and European banking experts on an 85 billion-euro ($115 billion) loan for Ireland, but rejects reports that the deal could involve interest rates of 6.7 per cent.
Communications Minister Eamon Ryan says all sides, in the week-old aid talks, want an agreement before markets open Monday. He rejects Irish media claims that some of the loan could cost 6.7 per cent, much higher than the rate provided for Greece's bailout in May.
Ryan spoke Saturday as approximately 15,000 people attended a peaceful protest march in central Dublin denouncing the government's plans to slash spending and accept an EU-IMF rescue.
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