Lynch: Time for egos has passed

Labour's Minister for Mental Health Services Kathleen Lynch says she has a "healthy, working relationship" with the Health Minister James Reilly - and the time for egos has passed.

It follows reports of a rift between Labour Ministers and Fine Gael's James Reilly over the resignation of HSE boss Cathal Magee.

Minister Reilly failed to inform the two Junior Minister's in his Department - Kathleen Lynch and Junior Health Minister Roisin Shortall of the decision.

Minister Shortall has already expressed her disappointment at the manner in which she found out, through the media.

But Minister Lynch says she is only sorry Mr Magee has stepped aside: "I was disappointed that he decided to leave and I think there is a difference.

"The time for egos has passed. We have a different situation and a very tough job ahead of us. There was a confidentiality issue and that might have been between the Minister and Mr Magee.

"And if that was the case then we have to respect that."