Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said today discussions with the European Commission regarding the extension of the bank guarantee are at an "advanced" stage.
The scheme is due to lapse on September 29th and the Government is seeking to extend it until the end of the year.
"I don't anticipate any legislation will be required," Mr Lenihan told the Dáil today. "Discussions are at an advanced stage with the European Commission."
The guarantee was first issued for some €400 billion of bank liabilities at the height of the credit crisis in September 2008.
The guarantee, which was originally for two years, was amended last year to give banks scope to issue debt with maturities of up to five years, but still with a 2010 issue deadline and periodically reviewed by Brussels.
Mr Lenihan also told TDs no date had been set for the budget but it would be held in December.
