Third set of bailout documents leaked to German parliament

Documents about Ireland's bailout deal have been leaked in Germany for a third time.

A European Commission paper which discusses the Irish public's response to the household charge, and recommends a prompt disposal of the state's stake in Aer Lingus has been circulated in the German parliament.

It was not due for official release until June 25.

A spokesman for the European Commission, Amadeu Altafaj, said the report in question was a Commission paper and not a formal Troika one.

"The Germans have a legal obligation to circulate it to the Bundestag Budget Committee and I don't know I've seen the press reports in the Irish press indeed," he said.

"What is the status of the paper? It's a draft or pre-draft".

"But wherever it comes, once again it is extremely regrettable, it is unfortunate and it is irresponsible" he added.