The Troika is to put pressure on Minister James Reilly to reign in over-spending in the budget for the Department of Health.

European Union (EU) officials in Brussels say the latest review of the Irish bailout will focus on strengthening budgetary management in the health sector.

The 8th review of the bailout deal begins in Dublin this evening when officials from the EU the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank (ECB) meet with government.

But the budget overruns in the Department of Health are causing a problem for the Troika.

 In an off the record briefing EU officials said the review will focus on strengthening budgetary management in the health sector to ensure it can deliver its objectives.

In other words Minister James Reilly will be asked to cut his cloth to fit his measure.

The officials also say the mission starting today will concentrate on ensuring that Irish adjustment is done in such a way that burden-sharing is fair and that the most vunerable are protected.