The head of the IMF's mission in Ireland, Ajai Chopra, has dismissed claims that the terms of the country's €85 billion rescue package are too punitive.
On Morning Ireland, he defended the 5.8% interest rate, saying it lowers what Ireland will need to borrow. He said this was a good deal for Ireland, and is better than Ireland could have got on world markets.
He also said a series of stress tests would be designed for the banks.
As for the possibility of a change of government following a general election, he said the IMF would listen to any government and work with any government that comes into power.
He said the IMF did not propose reducing the minimum wage, but added that it could help if it meant more people getting jobs.
