Taoiseach set to keep close eye on Reilly

The Taoiseach is to keep a closer eye on the Department of Health in 2013 after a disastrous year for its minister, James Reilly.

This year saw budget overruns in Dr Reilly’s department as well as the resignation of his junior minister, Róisín Shortall, over the primary care centre controversy.

Enda Kenny effectively admitted that Dr Reilly — the deputy leader of Fine Gael — got off to a bad start in the health portfolio, but defended his ability to lead reform in the sector.