Media speculation suggests that Ireland could be offered euro-zone 'solidarity' bonds with austerity measures attached as an alternative to any future International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
Euro-zone countries are exchanging ideas about how best to cushion individual members, in the interest of single-currency stability, if they face financial collapse but without dulling national austerity efforts.
One idea floated in Berlin involves a 'bilateral bond' that would allow countries to borrow money at rates enjoyed by Germany when it issues government bonds, without having to pay the current risk premium on top.