Brussels, 06/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Success for Ireland. On Thursday 5 July, Ireland rolled over debt on the short-term market for the first time since September 2010 (see EUROPE 10647). Irish debt agency NTMA explains that the country issued €500 million in three-month treasury bonds for an average of 1.8%, lower than the interest rate demanded for Spain for a similar emission last week (2.36%). Demand for the Irish bonds was 2.8 times higher than the bonds on offer. NTMA chief executive John Corrigan commented: “We are encouraged by the strong demand, the competitive interest rate and the presence of significant international interest in today's action. …We are conscious that this is only the first step towards our ultimate goal of full access to the capital markets.” NTMA is planning to roll over two-year bonds (or longer) at the end of the year or the start of 2013. A spokesperson for Euro Commissioner Olli Rehn tweeted the commissioner's comments: “Ireland's successful T-bill auction is an important step in a difficult environment towards a full return to the market.” The president of the ECB, Mario Draghi, said that this “success should be properly celebrated” and the sacrifices of the Irish people should be recognised. (EL/transl.fl)