The ratings agency Moodys has said Ireland is likely to need a second bailout when the current aid programme expires.
It also warned that a No vote in the forthcoming referendum on the fiscal treaty would prevent Ireland from receiving further EU funding under the European Stability Mechanism, which is the EU's permanent bailout fund.
The agency said it expected Ireland to face further challenges regaining market access in 2013, and that we would need to rely on EU funds - at least partially - when the current deal expires.
Moodys said that if Irish voters reject the referendum, it could leave the country isolated, particularly if it ends up being the only Eurozone country to reject the pact.