The Health Minister says he thinks the Irish health service has turned a corner.

Responding to criticisms by the Troika ahead of an Irish exit from the bailout, James Reilly says delays in implementing plans as agreed were due to mitigating circumstances.

He said the slow progress in signing off on Haddington Road had a knock on effect on tackling high wages in the health sector via the 'Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill'.

It comes as a new ESRI report said there has been a drop in the length of time people stay in Irish hospitals. It said the average length of stay in 2012 was 4.1 days which is a decrease of almost 5% since 2011.

He also said delay in implementing universal insurance was a government-led decision. Speaking in Brussels, Minister Reilly defended the health system against criticism and praised staff.