NEW : In part to meet its loan requirements , Dublin also will set out a comprehensive four-year plan detailing its deficit-reduction and other measures to shore up the Irish economy , according to Cowen . British government offers Ireland $ 11 billion loan offer . George Osborne , British finance minister , says loan is in Britain 's interest . IMF , EU ministers `` welcome '' Ireland 's request for financial assistance . The Irish are asking the International Monetary Fund to provide a 11.5 billion ($12.7 billion) bailout package that would help them avoid bankruptcy and restructure their debt.
NEW : British government offers Ireland $ 11 billion loan offer . George Osborne , British finance minister , says loan is in Britain 's interest . IMF , EU ministers `` welcome '' Ireland 's request for financial assistance . The Irish are asking the International Monetary Fund to provide a 11.5 billion ($12.7 billion) bailout package that would help them avoid bankruptcy and restructure their debt.