Taoiseach: Troika meeting 'part of the normal process'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that the latest review of Ireland's bailout by the Troika is just part of the normal process.

It follows reports that the eighth review this week will be a difficult one, after the Troika raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Croke Park deal, as well as overspending in the Department of Health.

It has also been reported that the bailout teams have asked to for a personal meeting with the Minister for Health James Reilly for the first time.

However, speaking at an event in Sligo, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said there is nothing new in that.

"This is part of the normal process here," he said.

"Clearly, we've had seven assessments by the Troika to date, each of those has been intensive and quite detailed.

"I know that in the past, Minister Burton and Minister Richard Bruton met with the Troika and did a presentation in respect of their own individual departments and their responsibilities, so there's nothing new in that."