Tánaiste: Labour will back Health Minister

on 18/09/2012 10:55:14

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said today that he is confident that all of his Labour TDs will back the Health Minister James Reilly when a motion of no confidence is tabled against him in the Dáil later.

The motion has been tabled by the Opposition in response to controversial cuts announced by Minister Reilly in recent weeks, which has prompted some criticism from within the Labour Party.

The Tánaiste said that the motion is designed to give political oxygen to the opposition, and that Minister Reilly has his full backing.

"The Government has confidence, and I have confidence in James Reilly as Minister for Health,"

"He has a very difficult job to do.

"Reforming the health service is a priority for this Government. Reform is never easy, but we're getting on with it."