Reilly defends performance over handling of cuts

Health Minister James Reilly was forced to defend his performance to Cabinet colleagues after a cack-handed cuts package plunged the Coalition into days of turmoil.

Widespread anger at the scope and handling of the cuts provoked an embarrassing row back as Dr Reilly pledged to abandon moves to slash the €40m personal care assistance budget for disabled people by a quarter.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny used the first Cabinet meeting for six weeks to warn ministers they need to focus and communicate better as the Government braces itself ahead of the imposition of another €2.3bn worth of spending cuts in the coming months.