A decision on when to release the infamous letter sent to Brian Lenihan in the run up to the bailout could be made as soon as next week.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says he's been assured that the letter, from the former head of the European Central Bank, will be released publicly.

Jean Claude Trichet wrote to the then Finance Minister Brian Lenihan in November 2010 - just before Ireland was bailed out.

It's been suggested that the then ECB chief warned that if Ireland didn't enter the bailout programme, emergency funds to our banks would be cut off.

Irish Times political writer Mary Minihan explains the importance of the letter;