13/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Eurozone confident about Ireland. On Monday 11 February 2013, the Eurogroup welcomed the agreement last week between the ECB and Ireland to reduce the Irish debt burden. The Eurogroup also welcomed the troika's positive assessment of implementation of the Irish structural adjustment programme (see EUROPE 10783). Talks will continue in March on a successful exit from the aid programme. Credit rating agency Standard and Poor's has announced a change in Ireland's rating from negative to stable, which was welcomed by Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan on Tuesday 12 February, adding that Ireland would continue with its good work to ensure a full return to the financial markets later in the the year. (EL/transl.fl)