Fianna Fáil's parliamentary party meeting is underway in Cavan.
The Taoiseach has insisted the cost of living is not on the agenda. The Government has come under fierce attack in recent weeks after the huge success of the Rip-Off Republic TV programme.
Eddie Hobbs, the presenter of the programme, is a member of the government's new National Consumer Agency.
On his way into the meeting, Bertie Ahern acknowledged that the cost of living here is an issue, and insisted he has no problem with Eddie Hobbs.
“We'll see how he performs during the year,” the Taoiseach said.
He described Hobbs as "a highly respected, highly paid member" of the board.