Ireland the First Country Hit By Euro Crisis To Exit Bailout Program

Last part of $114 billion program approved

DUBLIN — Three years after going cap in hand to international lenders, Ireland got the green light on Thursday to step out on its own as the first eurozone country to exit its bailout program.

The European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund signed off on the last part of the 85-billion euro (US$114-billion) aid program, paving the way for Ireland – which has met all major targets – to complete it by the end of the year.