It has emerged that Ireland's banks could need a further cash injection to the tune of €25bn.
According to a report in today's Sunday Independent, the gap was discovered during Government stress-testing and is set to be formally announced by Finance Minister Michael Noonan next week.
It is being seen as a massive blow to the financial future of the country as bank losses mean between €15bn and €25bn could now be needed, on top of a €10bn capitalisation plan which was deferred by the former Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.