Lynch does not deny resign threat

Kathleen Lynch, the junior health minister, has said that vulnerable people will not be disproportionately affected by cuts to services in the looming health service plan.

She confirmed she had held “robust” talks within her department about any funding changes to mental health and disability. She did not deny she had threatened to resign over changes to the health budget.

Her comments came ahead of the expected publication of the HSE service plan, which as of last night, was still scheduled to be brought for discussion before Cabinet this week.