Troika representatives in Dublin for inspection

Representatives of the EU/IMF/ECB troika are in town this morning for their latest inspection of Ireland's bailout progress.

The 10-day visit which begins today marks the 11th time that the Government has had to open its books to inspection from the EU and IMF and is intended to be the penultimate of Ireland's bailout programme.

The last-ever visit is due to come right as Ireland announces next year's Budget, so analysts expect this month's inspection to focus on making sure Ireland reaches its EU deficit targets in Budget 2014.

It will also discuss the continued efforts to get banks to strike deals with customers struggling with mortgage arrears.

Perhaps more importantly, however, inspectors are likely to discuss Ireland's options as it tries to wean itself off bailout funding.

Ireland has now borrowed €62bn out of the €67bn set aside in the bailout programme - and the rest of the funding is due to run out later this year.

A second 'standby' bailout fund is among one of the options on the table to help Ireland borrow by itself.