Reilly has Quinn's support - Kenny

The Taoiseach has insisted that Minister for Health James Reilly has the support of the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn.

Enda Kenny said he had spoken to Dr Reilly and Mr Quinn and "they are both absolutely at one on the job we have to do here'".

He added: "Minister Quinn has full confidence in Minister Reilly.''

The Taoiseach was replying in the Dáil this afternoon to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin referred to the "extraordinary revelation'' that Mr Quinn had made comments at a Labour parliamentary party meeting about Dr Reilly's ability to do his job.

Mr Kenny said Mr Martin had moved to a point where he accepted everything appearing in newspapers as truth.

He said the Government had a challenging position ahead and Dr Reilly and Mr Quinn were focused on dealing with the State's problems.