The Minister for Social Protection has said it is critical that the promissory note deal gives Ireland some leeway.

It is reported the Troika is unhappy with comments in the Dail last week by Minister Joan Burton.

She indicated that the money saved should be used to soften the budget this year.

The European Union, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund are concerned that using the money this year could damage the Irish push to return to the bond markets.

'Shockingly high' unemployment

But speaking at an employment support conference in Dublin this morning, Minister Burton said the Troika "must be aware" of the high levels of unemployment in Ireland and have indicated themselves that they underestimated the effect of austerity on jobs in Ireland.

She also dismissed suggestions of division between Labour and Fine Gael on the issue.

She says she "is not aware of any Government Minister who isn't absolutely committed to helping people get back to work".

Minister Burton said would like to see the budget "being framed with getting people back to work in mind", and the deal on the Anglo promissory notes should give the government some leeway to do just that.