Reilly has support of Junior Minister Lynch

on 02/10/2012 10:28:35

Health Minister James Reilly has received the full support of Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch in his department.

In her first comments on the row which saw Roisin Shortall resign last week Ms Lynch said she respects her decision and described her as a good colleague.

Alex White is to be officially appointed as Deputy Shortall's replacement at a Cabinet meeting today, while Minister Reilly is expected to appear before a special meeting of Fine Gael's internal health committee.

Junior Minister with responsibility for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch said she backs her senior minister.

Ms Lynch said: "I have confidence in not just the Minister for Health, but when you vote in a vote of no confidence as we did, or a vote of confidence, whichever one of the motions you want to pick - then it's about having confidence in government".

"And if I didn't have confidence in this government, I wouldn't be in there."